Brazil Sitio Barra Grande

Sildes Caixeta, owner of Sitio Barra Grande, is a third-generation coffee farmer from a region called “Alto Barreiro”, on the border of Poço Fundo and Machado in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The Sitio (a plantation producing less than 120# bags a year) was owned by his grandfather, but when Sildes was 5 years old, his family was forced to sell the property. In 1985, Sildes bought the property back and now lives in the house his grandfather built. “I am very proud of this place; here is where I first learned the biggest lesson of my life – patience is everything. I did wait 30 years, but the opportunity came and I was ready to buy this property back.” When asked what he would like people to know who enjoy his coffee: “Our secret – patience! We don’t rush, we rotate the cherries multiple times under the sun. My son sometimes wants to get things done faster, but I try to teach him that patience is our secret for good quality and we’re finally seeing the results by selling it for a better price.” The Also Barreiro region has an average altitude of 1.200 meters above sea level. In general, Sitio coffees are known for their quality, due to the high altitude and shade provided by the hilly landscape.

The plantation grows two varietals; Yellow Catuai and Mundo Novo. They blended the two together this year because it tasted nicer than each coffee individually. It is a fully natural processed coffee, dried under the sun on long patios. It’s a common processing method in Brazil, due to consistent seasons, where they have long dry periods with lots sun. Naturals produce big body and sweetness, and this coffee is no exception.

Fresh ground we smell peanuts, and that carries through to the brewing. We end up with a full-bodied cup with a creamy mouthfeel, cocoa and some fruit, with a nutty finish. It’s really an enjoyable cup, balanced and delicious.