Thiago Corsi // BRAZIL

What Did You Taste?

From the Importer

The story of Thiago Corsi and Fazenda Rodomunho is a powerful example of how tradition, innovation, and a forward-thinking approach can transform coffee farming into a regenerative and sustainable practice. Since 2019, Thiago has been at the helm of specialty coffee production on the farm, but his connection to coffee runs much deeper. As a fourth-generation coffee farmer, his passion for the craft is rooted in family heritage. Both his mother’s family, who migrated from Portugal to Rio de Janeiro, and his father, who immigrated from Italy to the South of Minas, arrived in Brazil with the shared dream of cultivating coffee.

Now, in its fourth generation of producers, Fazenda Rodomunho preserves its traditions and values of family management. Producer Thiago Corsi relies on the collaboration of his brothers, Renato and Rodrigo, his mother, Elzi, who is responsible for finances, and his cousins and brothers-in-law. This close and humanized relationship between Thiago and his employees is directly reflected in the excellence of the production.

Fazenda Rodomunho is uniquely situated on an elevated, nearly flat plateau, encircled by a valley. This distinctive landscape provides altitude, a favourable microclimate, and a natural wind barrier. Additionally, the valley is rich in springs and rivers, contributing to the farm’s special microclimate, perfect for producing exceptional coffees.

In 2019, the farm embarked on its journey into specialty coffee production. Since then, the family has embraced innovative management practices, prioritizing regenerative farming to restore soil health and preserve ecosystems. For Thiago, soil regeneration is not just an ideal. It is essential for tackling climate challenges and ensuring the future sustainability of coffee farming.

Beyond soil care, Fazenda Rodomunho places immense value on its people. Thiago fosters relationships with workers based on dialogue, friendship, and mutual respect, believing that understanding each individual’s strengths is key to unlocking their full potential. According to Thiago, the secret to exceptional coffee lies in a deep understanding of the farm. Years of traceability and detailed research allow them to predict the sensory profile of each batch even before harvesting. He describes the post-harvest process as a kind of “magic” but emphasizes that the coffee itself is already exceptional when it leaves the plant. Though regenerative coffee farming was initially seen as a bold move, its success has proven undeniable. Thiago believes this approach represents the future of coffee cultivation, particularly in the face of climate change, pests, and increasingly complex plant diseases. Caring for the soil is fundamental to ensuring that coffee plants receive the nutrients they need to thrive.

At Fazenda Rodomunho, dedication extends beyond farming. Thiago strives to connect consumers with the realities of specialty coffee production. For him, every step of the process is a way to honour his family’s legacy, care for the land, and ensure that each cup of coffee embodies the very best of sustainability, craftsmanship, and passion.

The Cerrado region, the newest of three major Brazilian growing regions, has been building in reputation and production over the last few decades.

Located in the heart of Brazil, it is renowned for its unique and high-quality coffee production. Spanning across the states of Minas Gerais and Goiás, this region covers an extensive area characterized by its tropical savanna climate. The consistent weather patterns, marked by distinct dry and wet seasons, create an ideal environment for coffee cultivation. The region's altitude, ranging from 800 to 1,300 meters above sea level, combined with well-defined seasons, contributes to the development of coffee beans with distinct and desirable flavour profiles. These conditions result in beans that are often noted for their sweetness, balanced acidity, and complex aromas, making Cerrado Mineiro coffees highly sought after in the specialty coffee market.