How to Make the Perfect French Press Coffee

The French Press, known in Italy as "caffettiera a stantuffo," is a classic brewing device that emphasizes simplicity and control. Its metal filter allows essential oils and fine particles to pass through, resulting in a rich and full-bodied coffee experience. ​

Choosing the Right Coffee

For an authentic Italian flavor, select high-quality, medium to dark roast beans. Tonino Lamborghini's Red Blend offers a harmonious balance of 80% Arabica and 20% Robusta beans, providing a bold taste with notes of dark chocolate and roasted almonds. Alternatively, the Black Blend delivers an intense, full-bodied experience, perfect for French Press brewing.​

Step-by-Step Brewing Guide

1. Fill the carafe with hot water and let it sit for 30 seconds. This maintains the brewing temperature, ensuring optimal extraction. ​La Cucina Italiana
2. Use a coarse grind, resembling sea salt, to prevent over-extraction and sediment in your cup. For a standard 1-liter French Press, use 60 grams of coffee (approximately 9 tablespoons). Adjust according to your taste preferences. ​reddit.com
3. Bring water to a temperature between 90°C and 95°C (195°F - 205°F). Water that's too hot can scald the coffee, while too cool water may result in under-extraction. ​simplyrecipes.com
4. Add the ground coffee to the French Press and pour enough hot water to saturate the grounds (about twice the weight of the coffee). Let it sit for 30 seconds to allow gases to escape, enhancing flavor extraction.​
5. Pour the rest of the hot water evenly over the grounds, reaching your desired volume.​
   
6. Gently stir the mixture to ensure all grounds are submerged. Place the lid on the French Press without pressing the plunger and let it steep for 4 minutes.​La Cucina Italiana
   
7. Slowly press the plunger down, applying steady pressure. Pour the coffee immediately into your cup or a serving carafe to prevent over-extraction.​
   

Enhancing Your Coffee Experience

• Use filtered water to avoid impurities that can affect the taste.​
  
• Maintain a consistent coffee-to-water ratio and brewing time to achieve your preferred strength and flavor.​
  
• Regularly clean your French Press to prevent residual oils from impacting the taste of future brews.