Espírito Santo · Variety
Catuai in Espírito Santo
Espírito Santo is known for the world's premier fine conilon (robusta) region alongside mountain arabica, and Catuai is one of the varieties behind that reputation. The region's farms sit at 600–1,200 m — Catuai's preferred range is 900–1,800 m — and harvest runs april – september, the window in which the variety's character is decided in the field.
Catuai brings its own agronomic personality to Espírito Santo: a compact, wind-resistant plant with high yield potential, and disease behavior best summarized as susceptible to rust. Regional processing leans on natural, washed, which shapes how the variety's raw material reaches the cup.
Tasted side by side with the same variety from other regions, Espírito Santo's expression stands apart: the variety contributes chocolate, almond, mild red fruit, while the regional cup runs toward fine conilon: cocoa, malt, and mild fruit with unusual cleanliness. That interaction — genetics times place — is exactly what regional sourcing is about.
Key facts
| Region | Espírito Santo |
|---|---|
| Country | Brazil |
| Region altitude | 600–1,200 m |
| Variety optimal altitude | 900–1,800 m |
| Harvest | April – September |
| Species | Arabica |
| Lineage | Caturra × Mundo Novo, bred by IAC Brazil (released 1972) |
| Disease resistance | Susceptible to rust |
| Regional cup profile | Fine Conilon: cocoa, malt, and mild fruit with unusual cleanliness. Mountain Arabica: bright, sweet, honeyed cups from Caparaó. |
Catuai in Espírito Santo — frequently asked questions
Does Catuai grow well in Espírito Santo?
Yes — the region's 600–1,200 m range overlaps the variety's preferred 900–1,800 m, and local processing traditions (natural, washed) suit its characteristics. It is one of the varieties Espírito Santo is known for.
What does Espírito Santo Catuai taste like?
Expect chocolate, almond, mild red fruit, expressed through the region's typical character: fine conilon: cocoa, malt, and mild fruit with unusual cleanliness.
When is Catuai from Espírito Santo harvested?
The regional harvest runs april – september; fresh lots typically reach export markets one to three months after milling.
Volcana Coffee grows high-altitude Catimor, Typica, and washed Fine Robusta in our own volcanic region — the Bolaven Plateau, Laos. Compare our terroir against any region in the world, cup to cup.
Request a Sample