Azores Wine Co. Terrantez do Pico 2020 Portuguese White Wine 75cl

The windswept archipelago of the Azores in the mid-Atlantic is one of the world's most unique wine regions, recognised by Unesco in 2004. Vines have been planted here since the 15th century, originally to supply refreshment to ships on the trade routes between Europe and the Americas.  The Azores Wine Company is a project between winemakers Filipe Rocha, António Maçanita and Paulo Machado who have worked together to revitalise and rescue  old vineyards and forgotten grape varieties, using combination of traditional and modern winemaking techniques to present these treasures to the world.

The volcanic soils allied to proximity to the sea lends the wines a distinctly brisk, saline character. Hundreds of micro-vineyards are enclosed in small walls just a few metres square to protect them from the wind and sea-spray. These walls are made from basalt stones, which had to be removed from the ground before any planting could take place.

These are extraordinary wines with a special character that speaks deeply of their origins. António Maçanita is recognised as one of Portugal’s most skillful winemakers, but it is this project borne from his passion for the Azores, which really sets him apart..

Terrantez is more commonly found as a component of Madeira, however this brilliant example is from grapes grown on the island of Sao Miguel. The Pico clones of Terrantez were down to a mere 48 vines before they were saved from extinction by the Azores Wine Co.

This dry white was whole bunch pressed then partially aged in old oak barrels with weekly batonnage. The result is reminiscent of high quality Jura, with a broad texture underpinned with racy saline acidity, ripe yellow fruits and hints of fresh nuts.