At Artisan Roast, we’ve been working with Gabriel Alves and the team at Sitio da Torre for some time now. Each year, they produce coffees that are not only beautifully clean and sweet, but also full of character. This latest natural process micro-lot is no exception. It’s a coffee I keep coming back to—one of those rare lots that feels just as at home in a French press as it does as a single origin espresso.
Fruit, Structure and Sweetness in Balance
This natural process Icatu selection is a micro-lot that stands out for its depth and drinkability. The coffee cherries are dried whole, intact on patios and raised beds, allowing the fruit to infuse the bean with bold, expressive flavours. The result is a cup that retains the classic smoothness of Brazilian coffee, but with more complexity and a fresh, fruit-forward edge.
At a medium roast, the foundation is all milk chocolate and roasted hazelnut—comforting and familiar. But layered above that is where things get interesting: strawberry, orange citrus, and tropical fruit notes emerge, backed by a juicy, clean acidity. As the coffee cools, even more unfolds—cranberry, caramel, and creamy praline—all wrapped in a silky, rounded mouthfeel.
This is a versatile and accessible coffee, no matter your brew method. Filter, French press, or espresso—this micro-lot performs beautifully across the board.
From Carmo de Minas to the Cup
The town of Carmo de Minas is nestled in the Serra da Mantiqueira mountains in southern Minas Gerais—an area long recognised for producing some of Brazil’s most expressive and high-quality coffees. The altitude, rich volcanic soils, and dramatic day–night temperature swings allow cherries to ripen slowly, building up complexity and natural sweetness.
Sitio da Torre, just a few miles outside Carmo, is a family-run farm now in its fourth generation. Gabriel Alves, who currently leads production, has a careful, consistent approach rooted in both tradition and innovation. The farm spans around 80 hectares of coffee and continues to build its reputation through award-winning micro-lots and long-term quality.
While Sitio da Torre often features in our house blend, this standalone natural lot shines all on its own—a testament to Gabriel’s skill and the exceptional conditions of Mantiqueira.
Whether you enjoy nuanced filter brews or a lively espresso with depth, Sitio da Torre Natural has something to offer. It’s a coffee that celebrates both the heritage of Brazilian growing and the possibilities of careful processing and roasting.
