PORTA DO CÉU

ORIGIN

Poços de Caldas is a spa city in the southeast of Brazil, in the state of Minas Gerais. The unique volcanic terroir of Poços de Caldas is perfectly suited to grow coffee with altitudes ranging from 970 – 1350m. The coffee farms in the area sit on the periphery of an old volcanic crater which has a diameter of 31km. The terroir and climate are perfectly suited to producing specialty coffee with exceptionally distinct profiles.

PRODUCER

Sítio Porta do Céu, which in English translates to heaven’s gate, was bought by Natal Alves Figueiredo in 1996 when he found a piece of land that he fell in love with immediately. Inspired by his coffee producing grandfather, he set about transforming the small 8.5-hectare piece of land into a coffee farm. Natal carefully decided to cultivate the Mundo Novo and Catuaí varietals known for their sweetness and cup quality. The farm annually produces only 120 bags which by Brazilian standard is a very low yield. Natal has really focussed his attention on quality over quantity.

During the harvest, the estate employs 13 families to help with the hand picking and sorting of the coffees. The cherries are then separated according to ripeness and taken to the patios to dry for 7 -10 days. Once the coffee reaches a target moisture content of 12%, the dried cherries are then left to rest in wooden vats for 30 days before they are hulled and prepped ready for shipment.

ROAST

We are fortunate to have discovered this exceptional micro-lot for the very first time. The aromatic complexity and dried fig-like sweetness of this coffee immediately shone through, intensifying on the palate as it cools, and it was love at first sip. Roasted slowly to accentuate a rich, velvety mouthfeel, this coffee complements any brew method from espresso to French press. The coffee also has a luxurious finish that is almost nougat-like with hints of roasted almond and dried fruit. We invite you to enjoy this wonderful coffee grown in the fertile soils that sit at the gates of heaven!