Coffee.

Luiz Paulo Dias is the owner of Santuario Sul, a farm which exploits the volcanic soils of the region to bring a large selection of unique coffee varietals to Brazil. His farm spans 120 hectares with 58 of those being designated for coffee growing and production. On these 58 acres there are Sudan Rume, Laurina, Gesha, SL28 and Yirgacheffe trees (just to name a few!) This year we have picked a couple of these exotic varieties growing at Santuario Sul to showcase.

This is the Yirgacheffe grown at Santuario Sul. Yirgacheffe is not a specific variety, but names given to a number of Ethiopian Heirloom varieties grown in the Yirgacheffe region of Ethiopia. Like the SL28, Yirgacheffe is known for being a high-quality varietal with a unique flavour profile. Most notable for its bright acidity, complex flavour and floral notes. 

As with the SL28, the desirable and unique cup quality found in the Yirgacheffe, this varietal has made its way into other coffee-growing regions outside of Ethiopia, including parts of Central and South America. It is interesting to see how the effect that the difference in terroir has on the cup. 

After being mechanically picked, the coffee cherries are placed in water to float and remove any low-density or defective cherries. The selected cherries are then transported to barrels where they undergo a 72hr anaerobic fermentation process. After the fermentation, then coffees are spread out on raised beds and left to dry for 22-24 days until they reach the appropriate moisture level.