The Azores is the westernmost wine region of Portugal and Europe. Of the more than 1,700 hectares, most are found on the island of Pico. Pioneers started viticulture in the late 15th century. The wines were transported on ships to and from the former Portuguese colonies.
The autochthonous grapes of the Azores
These grapes are well-resistant to the conditions. They produce wines with high acidity, a lot of minerality, and often a slightly saline character. The wines are crisp, precise, and have great aging potential.
Terrantez de Pico
Verdelho
Wine Island Pico
Pico is the best-known wine island of the Azores. Here, 987 hectares of vineyards can be found. Viticulture here takes place in one of Europe's most extreme terroirs. The vineyards are located on black lava fields, directly by the ocean. The soil is poor, stony, and rich in volcanic minerals. This results in low yields and grapes with high concentration.
What truly makes Pico special is the purity of its wines. Everything here revolves around terroir. The influence of volcanic soil, ocean, and wind can be directly tasted. The style is not made, but shaped by nature. Winemakers work with currais. These are small, square plots surrounded by low walls of lava stone. These walls protect the vines from strong winds and splashing seawater. At the same time, they store heat. This helps with the ripening of the grapes in a climate that would otherwise be too cool and unpredictable.
Pico's vineyards are unique in the world. The landscape of stone walls stretches for kilometers along the coast. This special system is so unique that it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It demonstrates how people have adapted to a rugged, volcanic environment.
Biscoitos and the wines on Terceira
On the island of Terceira, the small wine region of Biscoitos, covering only 20 hectares, is located in the west. Of these 20 hectares, only a small part is in production for wine. This wine region is known for its black lava fields and low stone walls, curraletas, which protect the vines from the wind. Viticulture here is centuries old and strongly connected to tradition. The main grape here is Verdelho, which yields fresh and mineral-rich white wines. The wines from Biscoitos are often powerful, with saline notes due to the influence of the ocean. As on Faial, production is small-scale, and the wines are rare outside the Azores.
Graciosa
Graciosa is one of the smallest islands of the Azores. Viticulture here is limited but has a long history. The island is known for its quiet character and relatively flat landscape. This makes the conditions slightly milder than on islands like Pico.
The soil on Graciosa is volcanic, but often lighter and more fertile. This creates slightly more accessible growing conditions for vines. Nevertheless, the influence of the ocean remains significant. Wind and salty air play an important role in the development of the grapes. Because the sea has more influence on the vineyards, the wines are lighter in taste.
Faial; the westernmost wines of Europe
Faial, one of the Portuguese Azores, is located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. This island is famous for its volcanic landscape, the Capelinhos volcano, and its beautiful blue hydrangeas. Less known are the wines of Faial. The combination of the partly young volcanic soil, sea climate, and ancient viticultural traditions makes the wine of Faial very special. The mere 2 hectares on the island are the basis for the magnificent wines of Adega do Vulcão.
We import wines from two vineyards in the Azores. From the islands of Faial and Pico, we import wines from Adega do Vulcão. Materramenta makes wine on the islands of Pico, Terceira (Biscoitos), and Graciosa.