UNESCO world heritage vines planted on a volcano in the middle of the Atlantic ocean. The rocky soils next to the waterfront are in essence worthless, except for growing vines. The extraordinary Azores Wine Company was set up in 2014 by charismatic rugby-playing, surfing winemaker António Maçanita with just 12 hectares of vines, some 100-years-old. These Arinto dos Açores (aka Sercial) vines are planted so close to the sea, they need special walls called currais to protect from the spray. Only 5,000 bottles made, it's fresh, pure and very mineral, some grapefruit and a saline, savoury finish. A remarkable achievement.

 

Pico | Açores | PORTUGAL

Arinto dos Açores