Brazil - Marcelo Assis

A natural-processed Brazilian from the Cerrado — blood orange, champagne, and a clean lime finish. Marcelo Assis farms in the São Gortado area of Minas Gerais, at elevation unusual for the region. The natural process — drying whole cherry on raised beds — builds fruit depth without the heavy-fermented notes that naturals sometimes carry.

This isn't a classic Brazilian. Where most commercial Brazils lean nutty and chocolatey, Marcelo's lot runs sparkling and acid-forward — more in conversation with a washed East African than a sibling to the old Santos types. The Cerrado's dry harvest season is what makes this kind of process control possible.

We roast medium-light. The fruit is the story, so we stop short of caramelization and keep the top notes sharp. Works as filter, pourover, or as a non-classic espresso pull for those who prefer brightness to body.