Açores: Volcanic Wines from the Heart of the Atlantic
Welcome to the Açores, also known as the Azores in English, an archipelago of nine volcanic islands situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. This remote Portuguese wine region is rich in natural beauty, steeped in tradition, and produces distinctive wines that mirror their extraordinary origin.
Climate and Terroir
Situated more than 1,000 miles west of mainland Portugal, the Azores boast a temperate maritime climate. The weather can be quite unpredictable, with regular rainfall and high humidity levels throughout the year. On the flip side, the cooling influence of the North Atlantic Current, the volcanic soils, and the surrounding ocean's breezes contribute to the slow, balanced maturation of grapes, which is essential for the wines' quality and character.
The terroir is predominantly composed of volcanic soils, which are naturally fertile and rich in minerals. These soils, along with the unique climate, contribute to the production of wines with distinctive minerality and vibrant acidity.
Whale in the Atlantic
Grape Varieties
The Azores are renowned for their indigenous grape varieties, with over 30 different types present. Among the whites, Verdelho, Arinto dos Açores (locally known as Terrantez), and Terrantez do Pico stand out for their ability to create wines with a perfect balance of sugar, acidity, and alcohol.
For the reds, the most commonly planted varieties are Agronómica and Saborinho. These indigenous grapes give rise to wines that are light in colour and body but with an expressive, spicy character.
Notable Wineries
Despite the challenging conditions, several wineries have mastered the art of winemaking in the Azores. Some of the notable ones include:
Founded by local oenologists, this winery has put Azorean wines on the global map. The Azores Wine Company Verdelho is an excellent example of how the region's unique terroir can be expressed in a bottle of wine.
This cooperative represents a multitude of small growers from the island of Pico. Their Frei Gigante, made from the Arinto dos Açores grape, is a wine that beautifully demonstrates the minerality and bracing acidity characteristic of Azorean white wines.
Curral Atlantis
Located on the island of Terceira, this winery is known for its method of maturing wines in casks and then in bottles before release. Their Terrantez do Pico is a highly acclaimed wine that showcases the complexity and ageing potential of Azorean wines.
The Azores, despite their remote location and challenging climate, offer a unique, unparalleled wine experience. The wines born of these volcanic islands possess a distinctly maritime character, profound minerality, and invigorating acidity, truly reflecting the exceptional terroir from which they originate. As more wine enthusiasts discover these captivating wines, the Azores are set to leave an indelible mark on the world wine map.