Matas de Minas · Variety
Bourbon in Matas de Minas
Matas de Minas is known for forest-zone family farms producing fruit-forward naturals and rising specialty stars, and Bourbon is one of the varieties behind that reputation. The region's farms sit at 700–1,200 m — Bourbon's preferred range is 1,100–2,000 m — and harvest runs may – september, the window in which the variety's character is decided in the field.
Bourbon brings its own agronomic personality to Matas de Minas: a tall with more branch density than typica plant with moderate (20–30% above typica) yield potential, and disease behavior best summarized as susceptible to rust and cbd. Regional processing leans on natural, pulped natural, honey, which shapes how the variety's raw material reaches the cup.
Tasted side by side with the same variety from other regions, Matas de Minas's expression stands apart: the variety contributes caramel sweetness, balanced citric acidity, buttery mouthfeel, while the regional cup runs toward yellow fruit, honey, and chocolate with more acidity than brazil's plateau regions; the best lots show striking fruit character. That interaction — genetics times place — is exactly what regional sourcing is about.
Key facts
| Region | Matas de Minas |
|---|---|
| Country | Brazil |
| Region altitude | 700–1,200 m |
| Variety optimal altitude | 1,100–2,000 m |
| Harvest | May – September |
| Species | Arabica |
| Lineage | Yemeni stock naturalized on Réunion (Île Bourbon), spread by missionaries from the 1850s |
| Disease resistance | Susceptible to rust and CBD |
| Regional cup profile | Yellow fruit, honey, and chocolate with more acidity than Brazil's plateau regions; the best lots show striking fruit character. |
Bourbon in Matas de Minas — frequently asked questions
Does Bourbon grow well in Matas de Minas?
Yes — the region's 700–1,200 m range overlaps the variety's preferred 1,100–2,000 m, and local processing traditions (natural, pulped natural, honey) suit its characteristics. It is one of the varieties Matas de Minas is known for.
What does Matas de Minas Bourbon taste like?
Expect caramel sweetness, balanced citric acidity, buttery mouthfeel, expressed through the region's typical character: yellow fruit, honey, and chocolate with more acidity than brazil's plateau regions; the best lots show striking fruit character.
When is Bourbon from Matas de Minas harvested?
The regional harvest runs may – 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.
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