Sul de Minas
Brazil
Altitude
900-1,350m
Climate
Subtropical highland with cool winters that slow cherry maturation; elevations of 700-1,100m and temperatures of 16-22°C create conditions for the sweet, chocolate-forward Sul de Minas profile
Soil
Fertile red-yellow latosol (oxisol) with excellent drainage and moderate organic content; high iron and aluminium oxides give the soil its red hue and support consistent arabica root development in.
Harvest
May-August
About
Sul de Minas is southern Minas Gerais' premier coffee region and one of Brazil's highest-quality growing areas, benefiting from elevations that rival many Central American origins. The region's cool subtropical climate with distinct seasons creates favorable conditions for slow cherry development and sugar concentration. Sul de Minas coffees are notable for their bright, clean cup with citrus acidity, caramel sweetness, and a refined body that sets them apart from lower-altitude Brazilian lots. Yellow Bourbon thrives here and has become the region's signature variety, producing coffees of exceptional sweetness. The area's family-run farms have increasingly focused on micro-lot production and specialty-grade quality.