In March 2022, Maison Soleil opens a new chapter of its direct trade programme. Destination Rwanda, on the edge of the Nyungwe forest, where the cooperative Terres de Nyungwe grows an arabica of great finesse. This partnership marks the broadening of our sourcing towards the highlands of East Africa, while keeping the same standard: a direct relationship, a guaranteed price, complete traceability.
An altitude that makes the difference
The cooperative’s plots stretch between 1,700 and 2,000 metres above sea level, on the edge of the Nyungwe forest, in the Southern Province. These are small family farms: on average, each producer farms less than half a hectare. Yet on these dizzying terraces, the Bourbon and Jackson plants produce cherries of rare density. The washed process, carried out at a shared washing station, amplifies the clarity of the cup and reveals a floral, fruity profile of great precision.
Since its founding in 2009, the cooperative has always bet on quality over volume. At its head since 2018, Alphonsine Uwimana embodies that direction. A graduate in agronomy from the University of Butare, she convinced the families to bet on specialty coffee, with selective harvesting practices and rigorous monitoring of fermentations.
From sample to partnership
Our relationship starts with samples received at the beginning of the year. Thomas Reinach’s verdict is immediate: lively acidity, a jasmine structure, a touch of white peach reminiscent of the great mountain Bourbons. A trial lot of four 60 kg bags is expected at the end of 2022. If the profiles confirm what we tasted in small quantities, a multi-year contract will be offered in 2023.
Like each of our partnerships, this one rests on a floor price 30% above the world market price and pre-financing of 40% of the contracted volume. This advance will allow the cooperative to fund the harvests without resorting to costly local lenders, and to focus its energy on what it does best: producing exceptional coffee.
A cup both delicate and structured
The Rwanda — Terres de Nyungwe is roasted light to preserve its acidity. In the cup, it unfolds aromas of jasmine, white peach and orange blossom. It is a filter coffee par excellence, but it also finds its place in a conical dripper or a filter carafe for those who love clear, fragrant brews.
With Terres de Nyungwe, Maison Soleil confirms a conviction: the finest coffees do not necessarily come from the largest farms, but from those where people take the time to do things well.
How to enjoy it : as a gentle filter, at 92°C, to release all the floral finesse.