2022 Azores Wine Company Verdelho O Original

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.
This Verdelho is the original island variety, distinct from mainland Verdelhos. Known for its mineral taste and unique perfume, it offers a teasingly salty palate. The grapes are selectively hand-harvested into 20kg baskets, whole bunch pressed, and naturally racked after 12 hours. Fermentation is spontaneous in small stainless steel tanks, with 30% aged for 6 months in barrels on fine lees. Expect a mineral and salty attack, featuring intense aromas of grapefruit, tropical fruits, passion fruit, and guava.
Alc. 12%

Other Reviews....
It offers some of the juicy tropical flavours of the grape variety, but it’s also distinctly saline with some pink grapefruity attack through a glossy and creamy texture. Texture is slightly powdery and the finish is juicy, but has a burst of acidity and a whole load of that sea spray/salty digestive drink thing, also closes somewhat stony. Terrific. Recommended. Drink 2024 - 2029+
94 Points
Gary Walsh - The Wine Front