Açores

Spread across the Atlantic in three sub-regions, Azorean wines are shaped by basaltic volcanic soils, near-constant salt-laden winds and intense humidity. The vines are protected by the currais — UNESCO-listed lava-stone walls that act as windbreaks — particularly on Pico Island, where dry whites from Verdelho, Arinto dos Açores and Terrantez do Pico achieve startling salinity and tension. The Pico, Graciosa and Biscoitos DOC sub-regions each have distinct character; the wines, taken together, are unlike anything else made in Portugal. Production is small and prized; expect oceanic, mineral, almost briny whites.