Terroir Vulcânico Branco

Description

Volcanic Terroir “Once upon a time… the kites rolling on Pico” Much has been said about the island of Pico and its history, but there’s an Azorean tradition that the Viticulture Cooperative is now recalling with a new white wine: the barrel‑aged wine rolling toward the sea. The carved tracks, used for centuries to ferry the kites almost to the sea, where boats awaited to carry Pico wine to other destinations, required the kites to be rolled to the water’s edge through rock‑carved channels known as Rola Pipas. This Azorean wine boasts a long tradition, and its production is marked by several distinctive features, starting with planting. Vineyards are grown in so‑called currais, enclosed by stone walls built to shield the vines from harsh wind and salty sea air. The soil of Pico island also makes these wines unique: a land formed of nearly impermeable basalt lava, combined with the salty Atlantic wind. The very gentle pressing of the selected grapes extracted the finest characteristics, ensuring that the wine fully expresses the grape and terroir. It fermented at 15 °C for three weeks, then aged on fine lees for 10 months. Winemaker: Bernardo Cabral.