Brazil - Limao Rosa Microlot

TASTING NOTES: Hazelnut Spread, Pear, Golden Raisin, Shortbread REGION: Cerrado Minerio, Brazil FARM: Fazenda Rio Brilhante PROCESS: Natural ALTITUDE: 900 - 1,150 MASL IMPORTING PARTNER: Los Volcanes Coffee About the farm: Fazenda Rio Brilhante sits within a micro-region called Pântano which is located in the state of Minas Gerais. Pântano is known for its well-defined seasons, consistent seasonal rain, and overall favorable climate for coffee production. Specifically, these conditions are ideal for producing natural processed coffees, which represents on average 80% of the production of the farm. This year marks our 4th year working with Rio Brilhante and importing partner Los Volcanes Coffee, who oversee the production of specialized microlots like this Limao Rosa Natural. Rio Brilhante is run by one of the migrant families who left the south of Brazil in search of new opportunities. Inácio Urban, the founder, was born in the southernmost state of the country, Rio Grande do Sul, and is of German descent. Upon arriving in Brazil, Inácio’s family worked producing agricultural food products but on a much smaller scale. In the 80’s, Inácio foresaw a giant opportunity in the Cerrado Mineiro region. At the time, land in this region was considered undesirable and, as a result, was very cheap. To start Inácio planted 20 hectares of coffee, as he says "to learn what it is like to grow coffee”. Over the last 40 years he continued to purchase more land and planting more coffee, eventually growing the farm to it’s impressive current size. In 2006 Inácio’s children, Erika Urban and Fernando Urban, joined their father in the management of the farm. The arrival of the second generation of the family represents continuity of work and the possibility of innovation. Noé, Inácio's son-in-law, joined the family and the farm a few years later.