Caffè Borbone: a guide to the Rossa, Nera, Blu, Oro and Dek blends

Why Caffè Borbone is one of the brands our customers ask for most

For over fifteen years we have helped our customers choose the coffee that suits them best, and one name comes up again and again: Caffè Borbone. It is a Campanian roaster that built its reputation on one clear aim: to bring the taste of Neapolitan espresso into people's homes, with full body and a dense crema.

Customers who come in asking for "a blend that tastes like the coffee at the bar" very often end up with Borbone. The reason is simple: the range of blends is easy to recognise — Nera, Rossa, Blu, Oro and Dek — and available across most systems on the market today, including Nespresso® compatible capsules, Lavazza A Modo Mio®, Nescafé Dolce Gusto®, Caffitaly®, Espresso Point®, 44 mm ESE pods, as well as ground coffee and whole beans.

One of the main advantages is that you can keep choosing your preferred blend even when you change machine. In practice that detail matters far more than it may seem. In this guide we will help you get to know the different blends and find your way among the colours and formats.

The blends explained: Nera, Rossa, Blu, Oro and Dek

The colours Caffè Borbone uses are not simply a graphic device: they identify the character of each blend. This is how we present them to our customers every day.

Nera (Black Blend) is the most intense blend in the range. It has a dark roast, full body and a decisive taste, with marked roasted notes and a persistent finish. It is the natural choice for anyone who wants a short espresso with a strong character. It is available in Respresso capsules, Don Carlo and in ESE pods.

Rossa (Red Blend) is probably the best-known blend and the one that satisfies the greatest number of people. It stays intense and creamy but offers a more balanced profile than the Nera, with pleasant notes of chocolate and dried fruit. When a customer tries Borbone for the first time, this is usually where we suggest starting.

Blu (Blue Blend) represents the balance between intensity and softness. It is less bitter than the Nera, it stays pleasant for anyone drinking several coffees through the day, and it pairs very well with milk. It is no coincidence that it is also one of the most appreciated blends in offices.

Oro (Gold Blend) is the most delicate and aromatic blend of the range. Thanks to a greater share of Arabica it offers natural sweetness, balanced acidity and an elegant aromatic profile. We recommend it to anyone who prefers a more refined, less intense cup.

Dek (Green Blend) is Caffè Borbone's decaffeinated blend. Designed for those who want to limit their caffeine intake or enjoy a good coffee in the evening as well, it keeps a full and satisfying taste. It is available for several systems, both in capsules and in pods.

The same blend, in the format that suits your machine

One of the things that causes the most confusion is the different commercial names of the Borbone lines. In reality the philosophy stays the same: what changes is the format and the compatibility, not the character of the blend.

Respresso is the line compatible with the Nespresso® Original system, available as Rossa, Blu, Nera, Oro and Dek.

Don Carlo is the line made for Lavazza A Modo Mio® machines, while Dolce Re is the one compatible with the Nescafé Dolce Gusto® system.

Borbone also offers capsules compatible with Caffitaly®, Espresso Point® and other dedicated systems, keeping the same blend philosophy throughout.

For anyone who prefers a more traditional espresso there are also 44 mm ESE pods, including the compostable versions. If you use a moka pot or a bean-to-cup machine, you can choose ground coffee or whole beans instead.

One piece of advice we always give: check your machine's system carefully before buying. Capsules that look very similar can belong to completely different systems and are not interchangeable.

How to choose the blend that suits your habits

When we help a customer choose, we always start from their habits.

If you love a short, intense espresso with a dense crema, the Nera and Rossa blends are generally the best fit.

If you prefer a long coffee or drink it with milk, the Blu holds its balance better once diluted.

If you drink several coffees during the day, the Blu or the Oro often prove more enjoyable over time thanks to their softer profile.

If tastes differ within the family, the most practical solution is to keep two different blends on hand: one more intense, one more delicate. It is the best way to satisfy everyone without compromise.

For anyone approaching Caffè Borbone for the first time, our advice is simple: start with the Rossa. After that it is easy to tell whether to move towards the intensity of the Nera or the greater delicacy of the Oro. A few trials are enough to find the blend that suits you.

Not just espresso: ginseng, barley and many other drinks

The Borbone range is not limited to coffee. In recent years it has grown to include a number of alternative drinks, such as ginseng, ginseng Zero, barley, nocciolino, cortado, cappuccino and other specialities flavoured with chocolate or pistachio.

These are particularly appreciated in families, because they let people who do not drink coffee — or prefer to avoid it in the evening — use the same machine. Many of these drinks are available for the Nespresso®, Lavazza A Modo Mio® and Nescafé Dolce Gusto® systems.

To round off the coffee break properly, it is also worth considering the accessories: a thick, pre-warmed cup, for instance, helps hold the temperature and the crema of the espresso for longer.

Our closing advice

Over the years we have learned that a few simple habits genuinely make the difference.

Buy the quantity you actually get through. Capsules and pods protect the aroma for a long time, whereas ground coffee starts to lose part of its fragrance fairly quickly once opened. Always keep it in a well-sealed container, away from light, heat and humidity, and avoid the fridge.

Take care of the machine. Even the best blend cannot perform at its best if the machine is coated in limescale. Regular descaling helps keep performance and coffee quality consistent.

Try before buying in large quantities. Every Borbone blend has a clearly defined personality. That is why we always suggest starting with a trial pack and only then choosing the one that best suits your taste.

If you are unsure which blend or which format to choose for your machine, contact us: the Maracatú team is always available to help you find the solution that fits your needs.