Cerrado Mineiro in western Minas Gerais was Brazil's first designated coffee origin region to receive geographical indication status. The flat savanna landscape (cerrado) allows for mechanized harvesting on large estates, while the clear dry season at harvest time enables consistent natural processing. The result is smooth, chocolatey coffees with stone fruit notes and very low acidity.
Brazil's certification system has helped Cerrado farmers compete on quality, not just volume — today several estates here produce Cup of Excellence-winning naturals that rival the world's best.