Rio Brilhante Topazio, Espresso - Brazil

Fazenda Rio Brilhante is located in a micro-region called Pântano, in the state of Minas Gerais. Pântano is known for its well-defined seasons, constant seasonal rainfall, and overall favourable climate for coffee production. These conditions are ideal for producing natural coffees, which represent on average 80% of the farm's production.

The harvest is mainly done mechanically using a harvester. Careful calibration of this equipment helps determine the quality and point of ripeness at which the coffee cherries should be harvested, resulting in more uniform and consistent batches. After picking, the cherries pass through a station that sorts by density.

The farm has more than 1,600 hectares of coffee planted and produces an average of 130,000 bags of coffee per harvest. The farm is divided into 45 different sections representing their own terroir and microclimate. The 45 sections are separated by large trees such as grevillea and mahogany. These trees are a natural separator between coffee sections thus preserving the biodiversity of the farm.

According to the law, each rural property must maintain, as a forest reserve, an area covered with native vegetation. In the Cerrado Mineiro region, this area is equivalent to 20% of the farm. In addition, these trees shelter the coffee trees from the winds that are frequent in the very flat micro-region of Pântano.

Rio Brilhante is run by one of the migrant families who left southern Brazil in search of new opportunities. Inácio Urban, the founder, was born in the southernmost state of the country, Rio Grande do Sul, and is of German descent. Upon arrival in Brazil, Inácio's family worked in the production of agricultural food products, but on a much smaller scale. In the 1980s, Inácio saw a great opportunity in the Cerrado Mineiro region. At the time, land in this area was considered undesirable and, therefore, was very cheap.  Inácio started by planting 20 hectares of coffee to learn what it's like to grow coffee. Over the past 40 years, he has continued to buy more land and plant coffee, eventually expanding the farm to its current impressive size.

In 2006, Inácio's children, Erika Urban and Fernando Urban, joined their father in the management of the farm. The arrival of the second generation of the family represents the continuity of work and the possibility of innovation. Noé, Inácio's son-in-law, joined the family and farmed it a few years later.

In 2017, Fazenda Rio Brilhante placed 2nd in the Imaflora - Rainforest Alliance competition and 3rd in the Cerrado Mineiro regional competition.

In 2020, the farm won first place in the Ethics and Traceability Award given to farms for their commitment to the development of people, the preservation of the environment and the promotion of responsible agribusiness. The farm is UTZ, Rainforest Alliance and 4C certified.

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