BSCA Fazenda Monte Alegre Fully Washed 2011/12

This coffee is available in 60kg PET bags. PET bags are a synthetic alternative to the traditional jute bag that can be handled in the same way but will not impart any baggy ‘jutey’ taint to the coffee over time. PET bags are also fully recyclable at certain recycling centres.

Acquired by the Vieira Family in 1917, Monte Alegre Estate is located in the south of Minas Gerais in an area known for the high quality of its coffees. The right combination of latitude (22°S) and altitude create the well-defined seasons typical of mountain climates - the ideal conditions to grow superb specialty coffees.

This large estate contains some seven million coffee trees of the Mundo Novo, Catuaí, Acaiá and Bourbon varieties, with an average annual production of around 100,000 bags. Monte Alegre is also a haven for wildlife, with 8,525 acres (3,450 ha) of untouched native forest, an area that far exceeds the area planted with coffee. Another 2,424 acres (981 ha) are covered by protected wet lands, preservation strips along water bodies and reforested areas.

Most of the coffee beans are hand picked, sun dried and further processed on the farm, in three cherry processing and drying centres and one export preparation facility.

The estate produces natural (60%), pulped natural (10%) and fully washed (30%) coffees. Washed coffees are processed in the traditional way, with full wet fermentation in clear mountain water.

Coffee quality is controlled throughout the process, from harvest to delivery, by Monte Alegre's team of agronomists and cuppers. The estate has its own quality control laboratory and cupping facilities, employing trained coffee cuppers to verify the quality of all coffees produced and shipped.

The estate processes and exports its own coffees. Dry coffee is stored in wooden lined silos to be hulled shortly before shipment. Size screening, density separation and colour sorting are all carried out on the farm. Dry cherry and parchment coffee are stored in 44 wooden silos in mild temperatures and low air moisture. Coffee is only hulled and further processed immediately before shipment.

Monte Alegre is a fully sustainable business that employs an average of 750 people, 35% of whom live on the farm. The work force has full medical assistance, with a resident doctor, nurse and safety engineer. All families living on the farm have electricity, running water, school for young children and free transport for older children to attend school in town. All employees have access to on-farm playgrounds and sports facilities, freedom to join labour unions and all civil rights enjoyed by urban workers. Personal protection equipment is provided to all workers performing risky tasks.

Monte Alegre pays wages above the regional average. On-the-job training is permanent for workers at all levels. The estate is a fully sustainable business in all aspects: environmental, social and economic. Concern for sustainability and coffee quality pervade all activities, from farming to trading.

Sustainable farming technology is practiced throughout: erosion control, intercropping, wind-breakers, water management and other processes. Coffee milling is eco-friendly and all the water on the farm is of drinking quality.

Cupping Date: 

15 November 2011

Cup: 

Clean

Sweetness: 

Sugary

Acidity: 

Mild

Mouthfeel: 

Medium body Rounded

Flavour: 

Red fruit Orange Dark Chocolate Clove

Overall: 

Clean and sweet, with a mild acidity and notes of clove, dark chocolate, orange and red fruit.