São Judas Tadeu | Brazil

Panela sweetness, with a creamy body and a long, clean finish. Cherry, red apple and honey, balanced by toasted almond and dark chocolate.

Some people baulk at Brazilian coffees, claiming they’re too simple and lack finesse. Ignore these people. Brazil is often at the forefront of processing technique and varietal exploration - like with this Arara from Sitio Canaã. Here we have the story of a new generation of coffee producers coming through the ranks. Dedication and a conscientious approach to farming, Kleumon Silva Moreira, along with support from top producers in the region, have delivered a truly unique and delicious coffee.

From importers, Melbourne Coffee Merchants:

Fazenda São Judas Tadeu lies outside the small town of Piatã, in Bahia’s Chapada Diamantina region, sitting at an elevation of 1,300 to 1,380 metres above sea level. Chapada Diamantina translates to ”Diamond Plateau” in Portuguese, and for 100 years this area was mined for the gemstones embedded in its cliffs. Today, the region is famous for its specialty coffee.

The farm is owned by Antônio Rigno and his wife Terezinha, who have been farming coffee in the region for more than 40 years. Antônio owns a number of farms in Piatã and is very well respected in the community. Many farmers in the area look to him for advice and mentorship, and he graciously lets them process their coffee at the wet mill located at São Judas Tadeu.

Antônio and Terezinha are incredibly warm and always welcoming, which is part of what makes them so influential in Piatã. They regularly bring the coffee community together at the town’s clubhouse and run a café in town, where they showcase the region’s exceptional coffees. Here, a number of Cup of Excellence and other quality awards cover the walls. Over the years, the pair have worked tirelessly to produce great coffees – and have helped their neighbours do the same by teaching them improved agricultural practices that consistently lead to better results in the final cup.

Sharing his knowledge and expertise gives Antônio a great sense of purpose and pride. “There are no secrets” he explained to us. “Here, the people in Piatã are like my family. I want to help them produce great coffee. It’s my duty and my joy”.