Mantiqueira de Minas
The Mantiqueira de Minas region is renowned for its unique terroir, located in the Serra da Mantiqueira with altitudes between 900 m and 1,500 m. Its mild climate, fertile soils, and traditional farming practices contribute to producing coffees with high sweetness, balanced acidity, and complex aromas. Recognized with Geographical Indication, the region is one of Brazil’s most prestigious sources of specialty coffees, consistently awarded in national and international competitions.
Managing Entity
- APROCAM (Association of Mantiqueira Coffee Producers)
Geographical Features
- Relief: Altitudes from 900 m to 1,550 m, with most coffee plantations above 1,000 m
- Average annual temperature: 18°C to 19°C
- Relative humidity: ≈ 60%
- Average rainfall: 1,600 mm to 1,750 mm/year
- Soil: Predominantly red-yellow latosol, also with agrisols and cambisols
Climate
- Summer: Hot and rainy
- Winter: Dry
- Climate type: Subtropical highland
Production and Cultivation
- Harvest: Manual in new plantations or steep areas; semi-mechanized with derriçadeiras (portable harvesters); fully mechanized in flatter areas
- Drying: On cement patios, suspended terraces, and asphalt patios
- Post-harvest processing: Predominantly natural coffees, with smaller volumes of pulped natural, honey, and other processes
Sensory Profile
- Aroma/Flavor: Floral, honey, caramel, fruity, chocolate, and red wine notes
- Acidity: High, bright, and fresh
- Body: Full, creamy, and velvety, with high sweetness
- Aftertaste: Long and pleasant
Production Statistics
- Producers: ≈ 8,000
- Average annual production: 1.2 million 60-kg bags
- Cultivated area: 56,300 hectares
Main Varieties
- Arara, Bourbon, Catuaí, Catucaí