Introduction to Brazilian Coffee Growing Regions: Mogiana Yellow Bourbon with Caramel and Dark Chocolate

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FrontStreet Coffee - Brazilian Queen Farm Natural Yellow Bourbon Introduction

Brazil has flat terrain, with most coffee farms situated at altitudes between 600-1,000 meters, suitable for growing sun-exposed coffee varieties such as Catuai, Mundo Novo, and Catuai—what is commonly known as sun coffee (Sm CofFee). This is the primary reason why Brazilian coffee lacks distinctive aroma (however, when the altitude exceeds 1,100 meters, the flavor of sun coffee improves significantly and can rival Bourbon). Fortunately, 90% of Minas Gerais state has terrain above 300 meters, with 25% between 600-1,500 meters, making it the highest average altitude province in Brazil.

Particularly in the Cerrado plateau of central-western Minas and southern Minas, altitudes mostly exceed 1,100 meters, with rolling hills on the foothills, diverse topography, distinct wet and dry seasons, significant day-night temperature differences, and abundant microclimates. These conditions are ideal for cultivating elegant-flavored Bourbon and Yellow Bourbon varieties, naturally making them the main producing areas for Brazilian specialty coffee. Additionally, farms in the southeastern forest region of Minas (Mata de Minas) with altitudes above 1,000 meters can also produce high-quality coffee.

Since 1999, the estates that have won Brazil's "Cup of Excellence" auction are predominantly located in southern Minas, making it the backbone of Brazilian specialty coffee. As for the mid-northern plateau region of Minas (Chapada de Minas), it is not considered a specialty-producing area, with most of its output being commercial-grade beans. In summary, southern Minas, the central-western plateau of Minas (Cerrado), and the higher-altitude forest areas in the southeast can all be regarded as specialty-producing regions in Minas Gerais state.

Additionally, the Mogiana region in northeastern São Paulo state (bordering southern Minas) is also primarily known for shade-grown Bourbon, ranking alongside Cerrado and southern Minas as Brazil's three major specialty-producing regions. Notable estates in southern Minas include "Fazenda Esperança" and "Monte Alegre." The renowned "Daterra Estate" and "Alta Vista Estate" groups also operate several large estates in Cerrado and Mogiana. These four estates, frequent winners in cupping competitions, have become the crown jewels of southern Minas, Cerrado, and Mogiana.

Brazil Queen Farm Natural Yellow Bourbon

Region: Fazenda Rainha (Queen Farm), Alta Mogiana region, São Paulo state

Processing Method: Natural

Variety: Yellow Bourbon

Altitude: 1,200-1,400 meters

Grade: Grade 1 Strictly Soft

Cupping Notes: Oat, hazelnut chocolate, caramel, with mild acidity, balanced, mellow and full-bodied. Clean and smooth entry, soft and gentle, with subtle fruit acidity and moderate sweetness. Bitterness is not prominent, with some dark chocolate bitterness, full body, and a finish that is not intense but lingering. The aftertaste reveals noticeable caramel and dark chocolate notes with strong texture.

In Brief

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