Fazenda Capoeirinha: Alfenas
Coordinates on GoogleEarth: 21º
Located in the region of Sul de Minas, in the municipality of Alfenas, the Fazenda Capoeirinha was the first property acquired by Ipanema in 1969. Of its 2,200 hectares of land, 70% are used for producing coffee, while the remaining 30% comprises preservation and protected forest areas. This farm produced the two lots that won the Annual Quality Contest of the Rainforest Alliance in 2009 and 2010.
Soil: resting on metamorphic rock, the soils are argillaceous, formed from crystalline-based rocks, rich in decomposable minerals, which have a great capacity to retain water.
Climate: the region is characterized by a mild subtropical climate, with rainy summers and dry winters, favorable for the cultivation of coffee. Temperatures range from 24ºC [75ºF] in the summer to around 18ºC [64ºF] in the winter, but can fall below freezing during severe winters. Average annual rainfall is about 1,440 mm [57 inches] (average of last 10 years).
Altitude:
The estate has coffee plantations from 780 to 950 meters [2,550 to 3,100 feet] in altitude. It should be noted that cultivars descended from the “Bourbon” are produced at altitudes above 900 meters [2,950 feet].
Irrigation:
Fazenda Capoeirinha has 290 hectares irrigated by a drip system, which is considered to be the most economical in terms of water use per hectare.
Cultivars grown on the estate: arabica coffees of the cultivars Acaiá, Yellow Bourbon, Mundo Novo and, on a smaller scale, Yellow Catuaí, Red Rubi and Yellow Icatu.