2022 Azores Wine Company Terrantez do Pico

The Azores Wine Company began in 2010 with winemaker António Maçanita's project to revive the Terrantez do Pico grape, later founded with Filipe Rocha and Paulo Machado. They focus on restoring native Azorean grape varieties, mainly on Pico Island. Here, vines grow in rock cracks at the foothills of a volcanic mountain, close enough to the ocean that locals say you can hear “the crabs singing.” The vineyards are shielded from strong salty winds by rock walls called “currais,” which are believed to be 500 to 1,000 years old which allowed Pico to achieve it's UNESCO World Heritage status.

Less than 100 plants of the nearly extinct Terrantez do Pico grape were known outside the agrarian services collection. This unique variety was in grave danger until António Maçanita began its recovery. Today, it is gradually being replanted, which is great news. This wine showcases the potential of this rare grape in an extreme volcanic terroir, resulting in a mineral, salty wine, encouraging others to help save it from extinction. The grapes are selectively hand-harvested into 20kg baskets, mainly from Pico Island with a small portion from São Miguel Island. They undergo whole bunch pressing and natural racking after 12 hours. The first press is fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks, while the second press is fermented in three-year old barrels (30%). Expect a clean citrus color with an intense floral aroma, featuring notes of tea, bergamot, and iodine.
Alc. 12%