Sweet and Easy-Going: Brazil Fazenda do Lobo

Brazil is the largest coffee producing country in the world, providing one-third of the world’s entire coffee supply. Many roasting companies will use a Brazilian coffee in at least one blend (like we do in Shore Leave Hook), because it consistently provides a rich and heavy base note. It’s also often well suited for a more developed, if not darker roast; so when we find a Brazilian coffee that shines more when roasted a little lighter, we get really excited.

ripe yellow bourbon cherries ready to be picked at fazenda do lobo

Fazenda do Lobo, or Wolf Farm, named after the recurrent appearances of wolves in the farm, is located in the South of Minas, a large coffee growing region in Brazil. Fazenda do Lobo is owned by Andrea Galvão Nogueira Foresti, a fourth-generation coffee producer. She manages Fazenda do Lobo with the support of her husband, Marcos, and two of their three children: Claudio, who received a degree in Environmental Engineering and Guilereme, who graduated in Business Administration. They have worked together to ensure that sustainability is a top priority on their farm, and have received UTZ, Rainforest Alliance, Certifica Minas certifications. Fazenda do Lobo has become one of the most distinguished specialty coffee producers in the region, and their coffee has often been featured in specialty coffee competitions.

Andrea Galvão Nogueira Foresti hanging out with coffee cherries drying on the patio

In Brazil, coffee farms are on relatively flat land, making it ideal for easier to employ advanced technology to pick and short cherry. For this coffee, ripe cherries are picked with a mechanical machine and dried on a patio. Cherries are piled together in large mounds for the first two days of drying, which helps with fermentation and accentuates more fruity flavor notes. Afterwards, the cherries are spread out onto the patio to promote quicker and even drying. Finally, the dried cherries skins are mechanically removed from the green coffee beans. 

andrea and her husband marcos

This coffee has a zippy acidity and silky, creamy body. It reminds us of baked apples, streusel, and cashew butter–but we’ve also gotten notes of plum, honeycrisp apple, and milk chocolate. Lovely on its own, but it can also hold up to a splash of milk. It’s a great choice for those who still enjoy some brightness in an easy-going cup!