A Legacy of Innovation Since 1887
Founded in 1887, Fazenda Rio Verde is one of the oldest and most iconic estates in the Ipanema Coffees portfolio. Located in the heart of the Mantiqueira de Minas mountains in Brazil, the farm has a long-standing reputation for innovation in sustainable coffee farming and quality-focused production. One particularly memorable chapter in its history took place between 1964 and 1992, when the farm operated a large-scale chicken manure programme. With 81 sheds housing 136,000 hens, the estate produced over 800,000 kilos of manure annually – enough to fertilise half of the coffee plantation each year. This was a pioneering example of circular agriculture, well ahead of its time.
A Sanctuary for Nature and Coffee Cultivation
Today, Fazenda Rio Verde is a model of environmental stewardship and precision agriculture. The estate spans 1,566 hectares, with 626 hectares dedicated to coffee, 167 to other crops, and 773 hectares preserved as native forest. This protected area is home to waterfalls, hiking trails, and 51 natural springs. The farm’s Environment Monitoring Centre (EMC), housed in a repurposed henhouse, tracks water, soil, vegetation, and climate data to ensure the long-term health of the ecosystem.
Coffee is cultivated at altitudes ranging from 900 to 1,330 metres above sea level, in clay-rich soils under a subtropical climate with dry winters and an average annual rainfall of 1,550 to 1,600 mm. These conditions create a unique microclimate that is ideal for producing high-quality Brazilian coffee, though they require careful adaptation of traditional farming methods.
The Structure of the Estate: Glebes and Terroir
Fazenda Rio Verde is divided into 69 distinct plots, or glebes, each with its own microclimate and soil profile. For the Premier Cru project, the best 32 to 34 glebes are selected each year. Each is harvested and processed as an individual micro-lot, identified by a code – for example, C26 or A40. The letter refers to the coffee variety (such as B for Bourbon, C for Catuai, or A for Acaia), while the number corresponds to the specific glebe.
The Premier Cru Project: Precision and Personality
The Premier Cru programme is a hallmark of Ipanema Coffees’ commitment to excellence in Brazilian specialty coffee. After harvesting and processing, each micro-lot is evaluated by a panel of expert tasters. A single standout flavour descriptor is assigned to each lot, capturing its unique sensory identity. For example, the A40 lot was named “Gold Starfruit” for its bright tropical acidity and fruit-forward complexity.
Key Varietals: Red Acaia, Yellow Bourbon and Yellow Catuai
Fazenda Rio Verde cultivates a carefully selected range of Arabica varieties, each chosen for its adaptability to the farm’s high-altitude terroir and its potential for exceptional cup quality. Among these, Red Acaia stands out as a rare and refined cultivar developed from the Mundo Novo lineage – itself a natural hybrid of Typica and Bourbon. Grown almost exclusively in Brazil, Red Acaia thrives at elevations above 800 metres and produces large, dense beans with excellent clarity, balance and sweetness. It is particularly well suited to experimental processing and flavour-driven selection.
Alongside Red Acaia, the farm also grows Yellow Bourbon and Yellow Catuai, two of Brazil’s most celebrated varieties. Yellow Bourbon is known for its smooth body, bright acidity and pronounced sweetness, often with notes of stone fruit and caramel. Yellow Catuai, a hybrid of Mundo Novo and Caturra, is prized for its productivity and resilience, while still offering a clean, sweet cup profile with citrus and nutty undertones. Together, these three varietals form the foundation of Fazenda Rio Verde’s Premier Cru programme, each expressing the unique characteristics of the farm’s diverse microclimates.
Innovation in Processing and Infrastructure
Between 2014 and 2017, Ipanema Coffees conducted a series of in-depth trials at Fazenda Rio Verde to optimise every stage of production. These included:
- Weekly harvesting of individual glebes to determine the ideal maturation curve for each plot
- Comparative trials of mechanical, manual, and selective picking methods
- Extensive testing of drying techniques, including raised beds, covered patios, and vertical dryers
- The construction of a state-of-the-art milling facility to support precision processing
These efforts have helped position Fazenda Rio Verde as a leader in innovation within the Brazilian specialty coffee sector.
Preserving Quality: Packaging and Export
To protect the integrity of these exceptional coffees, Ipanema uses nitrogen-flushed, vacuum-sealed 20 kg cartons for storage and export. This advanced packaging removes all traces of oxygen, stabilising the green coffee and ensuring it arrives at the roastery in pristine condition. This level of care is rare, even in the world of specialty coffee, and reflects the extraordinary quality and ambition behind the Premier Cru programme.
