Rio Brilhante, Espresso

Located in the Pântano micro-region of Minas Gerais, Fazenda Rio Brilhante is one of the larger coffee farms in the Cerrado Mineiro region, with more than 1,600 hectares under coffee and an average production of around 130,000 bags per harvest.

The farm is divided into 45 distinct sections, each with its own microclimate and terroir. Large trees, including grevillea and mahogany, separate the coffee sections while providing shelter from the strong winds common across Pântano's flat landscape. Native vegetation is also preserved across the property, supporting biodiversity and meeting Brazil's environmental reserve requirements.

Although much of the harvest is carried out mechanically, quality remains central to the process. After harvesting, the cherries are passed through a density-sorting system. The densest fruit is selected for the farm's highest-quality natural coffees, which receive additional attention during fermentation and drying. This combination of scale, technology and careful quality control allows Rio Brilhante to produce large volumes of coffee without losing sight of the details that define a quality lot.

Fazenda Rio Brilhante was established by Inácio Urban, who moved from southern Brazil to the Cerrado Mineiro in the 1980s after recognising the region's potential for coffee production. In 2006, his children Erika Urban and Fernando Urban joined the management of the farm, followed later by Inácio's son-in-law Noé. Their involvement has brought a new generation of ideas while maintaining the foundations established by Inácio.

Today, environmental stewardship and responsible agriculture are integral to the farm's operation. Rio Brilhante maintains native forest reserves, uses large trees to protect coffee from wind and preserve biodiversity, and holds UTZ, Rainforest Alliance and 4C certifications.

Region: Minas Gerais
Country: Brazil
Elevation: 900 - 1,150 masl
Variety: Mundo Novo
Process: Natural