Historically, Brazil built its reputation as the world leaders in coffee by focusing on exporting green beans at volume. Today, however, a shift is underway as farmers trade sheer volume for microlots that score high on the cupping table. Instead of relying solely on traditional patio drying, producers are innovating with post-harvest processes and engineering resilient new coffee cultivars.

Minas Gerais, the heart of Brazil's coffee cultivation, is a region that, together with São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, collectively yields 1 million bags of green coffee per year. Nestled within this region along the slopes of the Mantiqueira mountains sits Mantiqueira de Minas. The area takes its name from the native Tupi word amantikir, meaning "where the mountains cry" — a nod to the springs that feed the high-altitude plots.

Here, the Mantiqueira Collective brings together independent smallholders who consistently deliver high-scoring coffee. This specific lot, lightly roasted by our friends at Rosetta, is an Arara variety, a cultivar released in 2012 by Fundação Procafé after fifteen years of selective breeding from a natural Sarchimor hybrid. Because Arara cherries ripen slowly on the branch, farmers can stagger their picking schedules and dedicate more care during harvest.

Rosetta's notes

Style: Classic
Flavour: Gentle acidity, almond & dried fruit, rounded body

"Peaberry (PB) lots are a roaster's dream. To dispel a common misconception — peaberry is not a coffee variety but a naturally occurring anomaly. They develop in a fascinating way. While most coffee cherries contain two flat-sided beans nestled together, peaberries surprise us with a single, round bean.

During the grading process, the peaberries are carefully separated using specific screen sizes. The exact percentage of peaberry coffee in each harvest can vary quite a bit. On average, they make up anywhere between 5% to 10% of the total coffee yield. Their pearl-like shape lends itself to more uniform roasts and contributes to an overall more pleasant and consistent brewing experience."

Coffee details from Rosetta

"Sourced from farmers within the Mantiqueira Collective, this coffee reflects an ongoing effort by our sourcing partners to extend their specialty program to smaller producers consistently delivering quality, even at modest scale.

Each farmer works independently, preparing lots that meet a defined quality threshold. By contributing to the collective, they gain access to more stable pricing and a reliable market — something not always guaranteed within Brazil's smallholder landscape. This structure supports long-term relationships, allowing producers to participate in strong years and remain connected to the program when conditions are more challenging.

Processed naturally and dried on patios, this lot highlights the region's expressive potential. Extended fruit contact during drying develops aromatic complexity and enhances perceived sweetness in the cup, resulting in a coffee that balances approachability with character."

• Altitude: 1125m – 1420m ASL
• Processing: Natural
• Variety: Arara
• Harvest: 2025
• Region: Mantiqueira, Minas Gerais
• Country: Brazil
• Producer: Smallholder farmers of the Mantiqueira Collective