Maçanita Verdelho O Original 2022

Wine from the Azores is a true rarity! Exactly the kind of wine we like to stock at Cardwell Cellars.

The Azores Wine Company's journey began in 2010 when winemaker António Maçanita, alongside Filipe Rocha and Paulo Machado, initiated a project to revive the nearly extinct Terrantez do Pico grape. This endeavor culminated in the establishment of the company on April 3, 2014. Located on Pico Island, the vineyards are planted in volcanic soil within bedrock crevices, extremely close to the sea—ranging from 50 to 300 meters away, so close that sea spray salts the vines. This harsh proximity creates a unique battleground between the sea and Pico Mountain, where the vines absorb a mix of saltwater and fresh rainwater, crafting a distinct brackish influence. Today, the focus on recovering native grape varieties, primarily from Pico, defines the characteristic profile of Azores wines, offering unmatched freshness, minerality, and salinity. This Verdelho, known as "the Original," is quintessentially Azorean, starting with a fresh, salty, and mineral-rich profile. It intensifies the typical grapefruit aroma with tropical notes of Azorean pineapple, passion fruit, and guava, enhancing its crisp acidity. Unique to the Azores and distinct from mainland varieties, this Verdelho captures the essence of the islands with its standout freshness, salinity, and distinctive perfume.