Origin: Brazil
Farm/Region: Rafael Vinhal
Tasting Notes: Coconut, vanilla, and Curly Wurly.
Producer: Minas Gerais
Varietal: Catuai & Icatu
Processing: Natural
Altitude: 980 MASL
Vinhal--famous for a reason: In the heart of Minas Gerais state in the Cerrado Mineiro Region, Vinhal Farm has become somewhat of an institution and a legendary name amongst coffee producers. The Vihal farms are true family-run businesses that have been honing their craft since 1988. Over the years, they’ve perfected techniques, adopted best sustainability practices, and built a strong commitment to both people and the environment.
Proof is in the process: The Vinhal family farms aren't just about producing great coffee—they're about doing things the right way for the entire industry. They take this seriously and make serious commitments to that end. Their Recanto and Estrela Farms hold three major certifications:
1. Rainforest Alliance
2. 4C Common Code of the Coffee Community
3. Certifica Minas (run by Minas Gerais State)
They don't believe in labels: These certifications aren’t just labels though. They represent a continued commitment. To maintain competency and compliance, the farm undergoes regular audits to meet over 100 evaluation criteria. Assessment criteria include environmental conservation, sustainable production, good social practices and working conditions, efficient management, control systems for the entire production chain, and full compliance with all current legislation.
Greater than the sum of its parts: When one stands back to try to understand what it is that makes these coffees so special, it really comes down to objective understanding. The Vinhal family run their business with passion and experience but also with auditable continuous improvement strategies and the recognition that many tiny parts contribute to a final result. A final result that must endure and thrive in a supportive ecosystem. Combine this with an elaborate special prep like this 100-hour dry anaerobic, thermal shock centrifuged process and it's suddenly no mystery why this coffee is just in a world of its own.