Fazenda Rio Verde, Brazil| ESPRESSO

Since the 1970s, Ipanema Gourmet has stood at the forefront of Brazilian specialty coffee. With over 4,500 hectares across five estates, including the historic Rio Verde farm founded in 1887, Ipanema produces more coffee than some entire countries—yet each bean is crafted with precision, passion, and sustainability.

Nestled in the Mantiqueira de Minas Mountains, Rio Verde spans 1,566 hectares of clay-rich soil, lush forests, waterfalls, and protected springs. Of that, 773 hectares are preserved natural land, home to 52 catalogued water sources. This diverse environment creates microclimates perfect for cultivating Yellow Catuaí, Bourbon, Mundo Novo, and more—each variety expressing its own unique terroir.

Innovation is in Ipanema’s DNA. Since the early 1900s, the farm has pioneered processing techniques—like lot separation by quality and modern drying patios—and was among the first in Brazil to implement mechanical harvesting, wet milling, and organic fertilization using chicken compost. In 1991, it became one of the first Brazilian coffee farms to export globally.

Under CEO Washington Rodrigues, Ipanema pushed the boundaries of quality and sustainability. Certified by UTZ and Rainforest Alliance, and a founding member of the Brazil Specialty Coffee Association, Ipanema’s Premier Cru project set new national standards for excellence. Today, their cutting-edge mills process up to 140,000 bags annually, and a team of Q graders ensures each glebe and lot delivers remarkable quality.

This Yellow Catuaí Natural coffee is sun-dried for 9 days, then gently finished in mechanical dryers and rested in wooden bins for optimal flavor development. The result: a cup that captures Brazil’s rich coffee heritage and Ipanema’s uncompromising pursuit of perfection.