Brazil Roberto Carlos de Oliveira

Farm: Sitio Santa Rita
Region: Mantiqueira de Minas
Altitude: 1100-1300 m.a.s.l.
Variety: Red Catuaí
Processing: Natural

Tasting Notes: Layers of roasted hazelnut, milk chocolate and indulgent caramel are supported by a giant creamy mouthfeel. Like a hazelnut truffle in coffee form.

This luxurious coffee showcases the best of what Brazil has to offer. Mild acidity makes room for nutty chocolatey sweetness but it’s the mouthfeel that’s the showstopper here. It feels like double cream on your tongue and the finish is epic. Its low acidity means this coffee will shine however it’s brewed. Perfect black or, if you want to level up the indulgence factor, add milk. 

Sitio Santa Rita, owned by coffee producer Roberto Carlos de Oliveira, is a 20-hectare farm nestled in the Mantiqueira de Minas region, near Lambari, Minas Gerais. The farm is situated at an altitude ranging from 1100 to 1300 metres above sea level. Roberto cultivates a diverse array of coffee varieties, including Red Catuaí 144, Yellow Catuaí 62, Catucaí 2SL, and Mundo Novo.

With 15 out of its 20 hectares dedicated to coffee cultivation, the farm yields an annual production of 300 bags. The harvest period spans from June to August, with flowering occurring between September and November. The region benefits from an average temperature of 25 °C.

Born in 1971, Roberto Carlos de Oliveira started his coffee farming journey during a small family gathering, during which he shared his first cup of coffee with his father and two brothers. They soon after decided to cultivate 800 coffee plants, together with their grandfather, who had a lot of knowledge in farming. Eager to further their production, they acquired an additional 2,000 seedlings from a neighbouring area.

To reach their plantations, Roberto and his brother had to walk approximately an hour and a half on foot. It was during one of these walks that Roberto met Creusa Teixeira de Oliveira, who later became his life partner. Together, they inherited land and dedicated themselves to planting 5,000 new coffee plants.

Through dedication and hard work, Roberto and his family thrived in coffee farming. Roberto and Creusa have two children and one grandchild. Both of their children, Anderson and Roberta, are active participants in the family’s operations.

Mantiqueira de Minas is known for its picturesque, mountainous climate and thermal water reservoirs. The area's ideal climate and fertile soil create optimal conditions for cultivating high-quality coffee. This coffee in this region has a unique cup profile and is distinguished by its balance, and complex flavours such as chocolate, fruit, citrus, and caramel. It is also full-bodied and sweet.