Producer: Paulo and Juliana Piancastelli 
Farm: Fazenda Terra Alta 
Region: Ibiá, Minas Gerais 
Altitude: 960-1,021 masl
Varietal: IAC 125, Catuaí
Process: Natural 
Roast: Light
Notes: Peanut Brittle, Apricot, Semi-Sweet Chocolate

Catuaí is a hybrid of the compact Caturra and the highly productive Mundo Novo varieties. Its small size makes higher-density planting possible, increasing yield. Its cherries mature slowly, producing a sweet, small-sized bean.

IAC 125 is a relatively new dwarf cultivar released by the Agronomy Institute of Campinas that is resistant to Coffee Leaf Rust. Its large cherries create a considerable amount of mucilage, which is beneficial to the natural and pulped natural processes.

This natural-process lot was slowly and carefully sun-dried on raised beds.

Fazenda Terra Alta was born in 2010 when Paulo and Juliana Piancastelli left their corporate lives behind and searched for greener pastures. They started planting in 2011 and have produced high-scoring and award-winning coffees since their first harvest in 2013.

In their relatively short time in the specialty coffee industry, the Piancastellis have put together an expert production team, planted high-quality coffee varietals, and implemented innovative processing methods.

Paulo and Juliana have built an independent importing/exporting structure that supports the Direct Trade model fully. They work with roasters during the harvest to seek out micro-lots as well as collaboration on processing methods. They are also in complete control of the coffee during shipment as they own an importation warehouse in the United States.

When Paulo and Juliana visited us, we were impressed by their talent and values. We hope to work with them for years to come!

Terra Alta’s Mission:

“To pioneer new approaches to high quality green coffee production, to positively impact the environment and the community, to boldly go where no grower has gone before.”