Azores Wine Company is a notable winery located in the Azores, a group of nine volcanic islands situated in the North Atlantic Ocean. The company is known for its distinctive wines, which are influenced by the unique terroir of the islands.
Azores Wine Company emphasizes sustainable viticulture and minimal intervention in the winemaking process. They blend traditional methods with modern techniques to express the unique characteristics of the Azorean terroir.
Region: Azores
The Azores wine region, located in the mid-Atlantic Ocean, is part of Portugal and consists of nine volcanic islands. This remote and unique region offers distinctive conditions for viticulture, contributing to the production of unique and highly regarded wines.
The climate is maritime with mild temperatures, high humidity, and significant rainfall. The proximity to the ocean moderates temperature extremes and influences the microclimates on the islands.
The soil is volcanic, rich in minerals, which impart a distinct minerality to the wines.
It has an unique landscape with vineyards planted in small plots called “currais,” protected by black basalt stone walls to shield vines from strong winds and salt spray.
Tasting Notes
Sabor(z)inho 2019
With its pale crimson colour and savoury nose of brambleberry, liquorice and dried rose, the Sabor(z)inho offers a unique aromatic profile as one might expect from such a rare variety in such a unique terroir. The palate is marked by a tart acidity and a fine structure of sandy-grained tannins. There is something wild and untamed about this wine, with a touch of dryness, a mineral grip as well as herbal undertones (juniper) resulting from the use of whole bunches, that make it a one-of-a-kind tasting experience. Long finish on saline notes.
Score: 15/20
Arinto dos Açores Solera NV
Intense gold colour. The 4 years solera ageing in this Arinto dos Açores wine comes through in the intense nutty and honeyed aromas on the nose, blended with layers of candied citrus, kiwi and papaya fruit. The variety’s mouth-watering acidity structures this light to medium bodied dry white with modest 12% abv. The lingering, saline finish denotes the superior quality of this premium bottling from Pico island that will pair ideally with grilled seabass or pan-seared gambas.
Score: 15/20
The Azores wine region stands out for its unique geographical and climatic conditions, indigenous grape varieties, and rich cultural heritage, making it a distinctive and fascinating area for wine production and tourism. Pico Wine Region is the most renowned wine-producing area in the Azores, known for its high-quality white wines made from Arinto dos Açores and Verdelho.
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