With more than 30 producing regions, Brazil stands out globally as one of the largest and most varied coffee producers. But what really defines the characteristics of each produced lot?
Brazil’s vast territory offers diverse climatic conditions and soil types that directly impact production. This variety of natural factors has given rise to the concept of “terroir,” widely recognized in the wine world and now also in coffee. Terroir encompasses the natural and human elements that influence production, including altitude, temperature, humidity, climate, soil type, cultivation techniques, and processing methods.
The Role of Terroir in Coffee Cultivation
Terroir is the combination of natural factors and agricultural practices that shape the flavor profile of coffee. While careful management and processing techniques employed by producers are crucial for quality, terroir provides the foundation for the diversity of flavors in different regions of Brazil.
For example, altitude affects the density and acidity of the beans, while temperature and humidity influence ripening and flavor development. Soil type, in turn, determines the unique flavor and aromatic complexity. Thus, terroir is not just the environment in which coffee is grown but also an essential element in creating unique and diverse flavors. Strategic decisions, such as the timing of the harvest and processing methods, play a crucial role in ensuring a crop that meets global consumer expectations.
The Diversity of Coffee-Producing Regions in Brazil
At Atlantica Coffee, we work with the most traditional producing areas in the country, selecting coffees that highlight regional qualities and meet the expectations of consumers in over 40 countries. Each of these regions has unique characteristics that directly influence the coffee profiles produced, reflecting the diversity of flavors found in each lot, as we will see below:
Matas de Minas
Also known as Zona da Mata, the Matas de Minas region is one of the most traditional coffee-producing areas in Brazil. Located in Minas Gerais, within the Atlantic Forest, this region comprises 64 municipalities and has altitudes ranging from 600 to 1,300 meters. The irregular topography requires less mechanized and more artisanal management, which contributes to the production of coffees with diverse nuances and flavors.
The humidity in the region directly influences the flavor of the beans, resulting in coffees with striking characteristics, such as the Rio profile, highly appreciated in Eastern Europe, Argentina, and the Middle East. Additionally, the implementation of post-harvest processes adapted to the humidity has allowed the region to produce more complex and refined flavors.
South of Minas Gerais
The South of Minas Gerais, the largest coffee-producing region in Brazil, is famous for its unique terroir. With altitudes reaching 1,400 meters and a mild climate with average temperatures between 18 and 20°C, the region benefits from the influence of the Mantiqueira Mountains, which create ideal microclimates for coffee cultivation. Here, much of the production is artisanal, with small and medium-sized producers dedicated to every detail of cultivation. This care often results in finer coffees with complex flavor profiles.
With more than 400,000 hectares of coffee in production, the South of Minas Gerais stands out in the export of beans and maintains a global reputation. The Mantiqueira de Minas Designation of Origin seal, which covers 25 municipalities, is proof of the authenticity and value of this terroir.
Cerrado Mineiro
The Cerrado Mineiro Region, located in the Triângulo Mineiro, Alto Paranaíba, and Northwest of Minas Gerais, is the first in Brazil to receive the Designation of Origin (DO) for its coffee, standing out for its excellence and unique characteristics. Comprising 55 municipalities, the region has altitudes ranging from 800 to 1,300 meters and well-defined climatic conditions that favor the uniform maturation of the beans and contribute to the superior quality of the coffee produced.
Various varieties are cultivated, including Bourbon, Topázio, Icatu, Paraíso, and Caturra, but the region is particularly noted for the production of Mundo Novo and Catuaí varieties.
Alta Mogiana
The Alta Mogiana region, on the border between Minas Gerais and São Paulo, stands out for its altitudes between 800 and 1,000 meters and a tropical climate with average temperatures of 21°C in summer and 17°C in winter. Since its development in the 1880s, driven by railroads and immigration, the region has consolidated itself as a coffee-growing hub, combining tradition and modernity.
Today, the beans from Alta Mogiana frequently exceed 85 points in evaluations by the Brazilian Specialty Coffee Association. Municipalities such as Claraval and Cássia host small but highly technological properties. The Indication of Origin (IP) ensures the authenticity and quality of the coffees, with Alta Mogiana Specialty Coffee (AMSC) guaranteeing the protection and appreciation of the identity of specialty coffees.
West of Bahia
The West of Bahia, located in the Cerrado biome, has altitudes of 700 meters, deep and diverse soils, and a landscape of plateaus and valleys. The tropical climate, with rainy periods from October to April and dry months, favors the practice of irrigated coffee cultivation, essential to maintaining productivity during the dry season. Furthermore, the flat topography allows for mechanized harvesting, facilitating management on large properties. Production is characterized by the Arabica variety, especially the Red Catuaí, which results in coffees with a pronounced body, light sweetness, fruity flavor, and floral aroma.
In 2019, the region earned the Indication of Origin (IP), recognizing and protecting the unique characteristics of local coffee cultivation. The Association of Coffee Growers of the West of Bahia (Abacafe) plays a crucial role in organizing and supporting producers, ensuring quality standards are maintained.
North of Minas Gerais
The North of Minas Gerais, near the border with Bahia, is emerging as a coffee production hub. This region benefits from irrigation and advanced technologies that help maximize production. With a dry climate, annual rainfall ranging between 600 and 900 mm, and low humidity at certain times, systematic irrigation plays a crucial role in providing controlled water to crops.
With altitudes ranging from 700 to 900 meters, the soils have a good level of clay in dry forest vegetation and rolling plains, promoting mechanization and professionalization of coffee growing in the backlands. The average annual temperature of 22 to 24°C requires intercropping with trees, usually African mahogany, to create shaded areas for coffee, making the microclimate suitable for cultivation. The main varieties grown include Catuaí, Yellow Catucaí, and Arara, which demonstrate good quality and disease resistance, although the cost of production is high due to the need for irrigation and specialized management.
Chapada de Minas
The Chapada de Minas region, in the Jequitinhonha Valley of Minas Gerais, is notable for the quality of its coffees. Located at altitudes ranging from 700 to 1,300 meters, it has a climate with average temperatures between 16 and 22°C. The clayey soil, combined with cerrado vegetation and a regime of heavy rains and dry periods, creates ideal conditions for producing coffees with distinct and unique flavors.
Cultivation takes place on plateaus and rolling hills, with techniques that include shaded cultivation provided by surrounding trees, resulting in beans with special sweetness and distinctive notes. The region has stood out for its commitment to agricultural practices that ensure the superior quality of coffees, reflecting the combination of favorable climatic and soil factors for bean development.
The Importance of Terroir for the International Market
The diversity of terroirs not only enriches the coffee experience but also places Brazil in a prominent position in the global market. At Atlantica, we value this wealth and are committed to understanding and selecting beans that reflect the unique characteristics of each producing region. Our commitment is to ensure that every product lot meets the expectations of consumers worldwide while maintaining the authenticity of regional flavors.