Sul de Minas

What it is

Rolling hills across the south of Minas Gerais, 850 to 1,250 m, dense with smallholdings. It is the largest arabica-producing region in the country.

What it's known for

Being the benchmark. Mild, nutty and chocolatey with low acidity — the reference point buyers calibrate every other Brazilian coffee against.

The character of the place

Family farms, often under twenty hectares, handed down across generations. Varginha, Três Pontas and Guaxupé live entirely off coffee; Guaxupé is home to Cooxupé, the largest coffee co-operative in the world. On the steeper slopes the cherries are still stripped by hand.

Cup attributes

Acidity	low
Aroma	honeyed and floral
Body	balanced, good finish
Flavour	caramelised sweetness, almond and nuts
Finish	rounded
Varieties	Catuaí, Mundo Novo, Icatu, Obatã