Tasting notes & flavor profile
Intensity
Aromatic notes
Taste Profile
Carte Noire Espresso No. 9 Intense is the most full-bodied blend in the Carte Noire compatible with Nespresso® Original machines—designed for those seeking a range rich and indulgent French espresso , an alternative to traditional Italian blends like Kimbo Ristretto or illy Forte. It is made from 100% multi-origin Arabica beans (Arabica from Brazil, Colombia, and Ethiopia, selected for their aromatic intensity), dark roasted at the historic Lavérune factory (Hérault, formerly Languedoc-Roussillon region) according to standards Carte Noire inherited from the 1970s. In the cup: a dense body, a persistent dark hazelnut crema , and dominant notes of dark chocolate , spices , and toast . The bitterness is pronounced but balanced by the smooth body, and the finish is long and lingering . signature Carte Noire since 1978: pure Arabica roasted in France . Since February 2016, Carte Noire has been a subsidiary of Lavazza (acquisition ~€800M) — the brand retains its factory, its know-how and its pure Arabica positioning.
Machine compatibility
Box of 30 capsules · Recyclable aluminum capsules
Compatible machines:
You might also like carte noire Nespresso-compatible coffee capsules
Carte Noire Compatible Nespresso - Espresso Lungo No. 6 Classic x 30 capsules
Carte Noire Compatible Nespresso - Espresso No. 7 Classic x 30 capsules
Instant coffee – Carte Noire Classic Professional 500g
Coffee Carte Noire Espresso – Soft Pods Intense 100% Arabica, Intensity 8
Frequently Asked Questions
Comparison #6 / #7 / #9 of the Carte Noire Nespresso compatible range?
Carte Noire range compatible with Nespresso, in increasing intensity:
- No. 6 Lungo — Intensity 6/12, mild lungo, 100% Arabica medium roast, notes of milk chocolate and dried fruit. For a 100-120 mL lungo coffee.
- No. 7 Espresso — intensity 7/12, balanced espresso, 100% Arabica medium roast, notes of chocolate and yellow fruits. The all-rounder for everyday use.
- No. 9 Intense (this ref.) — intensity 9/12, intensely full-bodied, 100% Arabica dark roast, notes of dark chocolate and toast. The most full-bodied.
Recommendation: No. 6 for mild long coffee, No. 7 for everyday use, No. 9 for strong espresso.
Is Carte Noire still a French brand?
Yes — Carte Noire remains a French brand with preserved DNA, but the ownership of the group has changed several times since its founding in 1978 by René Monnier (who also created Grand'Mère coffees in 1954):
- 1978-1985 — independent, founded by René Monnier.
- 1985-1993 — Acquisition by General Foods (USA).
- 1993-2010 — property of Kraft Foods (USA).
- 2010-2016 — Mondelez International (from the Kraft split) then Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE) in 2015.
- 2016-present — Lavazza (Italy) — acquired for approximately €800 million in February 2016. Carte Noire becomes a Lavazza subsidiary.
Thehistoric factory in Lavérune (Hérault) remains operational, roasting continues in France, and the pure Arabica positioning is maintained. The acquisition by Lavazza also allows Carte Noire to benefit from capsule synergies (aluminum capsule technology, international distribution).
Compatible with Nespresso Vertuo?
No — only Nespresso® Originalcapsules Carte Noire adhere to the standard round Nespresso Original geometry — compatible with Essenza Mini, Pixie, CitiZ, Inissia, Lattissima, Creatista, and Prodigio. Not compatible with Vertuo (Next, Plus, Pop), which uses a different capsule system.
Why 100% Arabica rather than Arabica-Robusta?
's historical positioning Carte Noire since 1978 — René Monnier bet on pure Arabica at a time when standard French coffee was still mostly made up of cheap Robusta (the "coffee shop" type). Carte Noire pioneered 100% Arabica, selling it approximately 15% more expensively than its competitors, positioning it as a premium coffee. Despite the high intensity rating of 9/12, the No. 9 remains 100% Arabica — the intensity comes from the dark roast rather than from the addition of Robusta, as in typical Italian Ristretto blends.
How many cups and how long does it take to operate?
30 espressos per box. For a household of 2 cups/day, this yields approximately 15 days of coffee; for a household of 4 cups/day, it provides approximately 7-8 days. Standard Nespresso-compatible capsule format, suitable for moderately intensive daily consumption.
Recyclable aluminum – how?
Yes, 100% recyclable. Three options: (1) selective sorting of metal packaging (yellow bin) after separation of the grounds, (2) Nespresso Recycling program (devices in Nespresso boutiques — also accepts aluminum-compatible capsules), (3) Terracycle (sending via prepaid collection).
Verified reviews from our customers
Recent reviews
"Good coffee"
- Anonymous A.Verified Purchase
4/5Good coffee
Review dated , following an experience on 05/04/2024
No reviews match this filter.
How are these opinions collected?
- Only customers who have ordered from Cafemalin are invited by email, after receiving their order, to leave a review.
- The collection, moderation and publication are ensured by Verified Reviews (Skeepers), an independent trusted third party certified AFNOR NF Service – Review Management, according to the NF ISO 20488.
- All published reviews are displayed, regardless of their rating, from newest to oldest by default. Cafemalin cannot modify or delete them, but may respond to them publicly.
- See Cafemalin 's Verified Reviews certificate.
All published reviews are collected and verified by Verified Reviews, an independent trusted third party certified by AFNOR according to the NF ISO 20488. See the certificate.
