This coffee was produced by Silvio Leite. This is Silvio’s fourth harvest from his farm, Fazenda Cerca de Pedras, which is located in Piatã, a unique coffee growing region in Bahia’s Chapada Diamantina region. This particular microlot comes from ‘São Benedito,’ the largest and first plot to be planted at the estate.

Silvio purchased this 30-hectare farm in 2019. Currently, 6 hectares are planted with coffee, including some Gesha, SL-28 and Pacamara varieties that Silvio is trialing on the land. This particular lot is 100% Catuaí. 

Cerca de Pedras serves as Silvio’s centre of operations in Piatã. The beautiful homestead is Silvio’s residence during the harvest and when he visits the region, and all evaluations are done at his cupping lab on site. Led by Kleumon Moreira of Sitio Canaã, Silvio’s team assist with the roasting and cupping, as well as with the day-to-day operations of the property. At the wet mill, Kleumon also manages processing for harvested cherries. While some controlled fermentation experimentation happens on site, the focus is on producing sweet, clean and repeatable coffees with a refined acidity and a distinct taste of place. Facilities are also made available to other producers, like Kleumon himself, and they serve as a model for local producers to learn techniques that will improve their crop.

In recent years, Silvio has invested in building a water reserve, to stay ahead of climate change and ensure his production doesn’t suffer during dry years. The water reserve is connected to a drip irrigation system, which consists of a series of perforated pipes running beneath the trees to deliver water directly to their roots. Silvio hopes that by showing the benefits of the system to other producers in the region, they can build their own reserves and prepare themselves for the future.