The D. Barbosa Family and the Terroir of Minas Gerais

The Heart of Brazil — The D. Barbosa Family and the Revolution in Minas Gerais. Beyond Commodity Coffee.

For decades, Brazil was seen only as the “volume giant.” However, a new generation of producers is proving that sophistication and complexity can flourish in Brazilian soil. At the top of this quality pyramid, we find the D. Barbosa Family in Minas Gerais. At SO Coffee Roasters, our partnership with D. Barbosa is not merely commercial; it is a shared set of values about what Brazilian coffee can, and should be.

The Terroir of Minas Gerais: Altitude and Soil

Minas Gerais is Brazil’s coffee state par excellence. But what makes the D. Barbosa family farms unique? The answer lies in the combination of rich soil and a moderate average altitude that allows for slow fruit maturation. This process preserves the coffee’s natural sugars, resulting in the caramel and chocolate sweetness our customers love.

Who Is the D. Barbosa Family?

Led by Danilo Barbosa, his wife, and their children, this family represents the perfect transition between ancestral wisdom and technology. They don’t simply harvest coffee; they manage an ecosystem. Traceability is total from the moment the seed is planted to the day the green coffee arrives at our roastery in Portugal.

Processing Coffee: The Science of Natural Methods

One of D. Barbosa’s secrets is their mastery of natural processing. By drying the coffee with the fruit intact, they achieve intense dried-fruit notes and a silky texture. At SO Coffee Roasters, we select specific lots that undergo controlled fermentation processes, pushing SCA scores to exceptional levels.

Why We Work With Them: The SO Coffee Roasters Connection

Since 2020, we have chosen D. Barbosa because they embody our motto. When you buy this coffee from our online shop, you are supporting a sustainability cycle that pays fair prices above market and ensures the soils of Minas Gerais will continue to produce incredible coffees for generations to come.