75cl
Verdelho O Original White 2018 Azores Wine Company
Vendor code : 424
Antonio Maçanita is considered one of Portugal's most dynamic young winemakers. He produces wines from the Azores to the Alentejo, each reflecting the essence of the regional terroir and traditions. Antonio was named the 2018 Winemaker of the Year by Revista de Vinhos magazine and was awarded the 2018 Singularity Award by Revista Grandes Escolhas. This talented winemaker has played a crucial role in promoting Azorean wine and saving the nearly extinct varietal, Terrantez do Pico.
Color
White
Region
Azores
Fortress
12.5%
Country
Portugal
Grape
Verdelho
Vintage
2018
Producer
Azores Wine Company
Verdelho O Original comes from three islands that make up the Azores archipelago and has an alcohol content of 12.5%. The acidity of the wine is organically integrated. It displays an impressive level of expressiveness. The aroma features hints of volcanic soil, lemon, stone fruit, and sea salt. On the palate, there is a pronounced acidity, reminiscent of lime, that gives the wine a bright and substantial character, exceeding expectations for its style. A total of 9,902 bottles were produced. It is recommended to be consumed between 2019 and 2026. The Wine Advocate rated the wine at 91 points.
Azores Wine Company is one of the most famous projects in Portugal. The company essentially put Azores wines on the modern map. Immediately after entering the market, their wines won many awards. The grapes they produce became the most expensive in Portugal (understandably so, given the difficult growing conditions and high quality), on par with grapes from Champagne, Bordeaux, and Napa Valley. That's why the team at Azores Wine Company couldn't just build any winery; it had to be special. For research and brainstorming, the owners and architects traveled to the Loire Valley, home to countless small vineyards, where the dominant grape varieties have a genetic link to the Azores. Unlike French wineries, the Azores Wine Company site overlooks the ocean, the volcanic Mount Pico of the same name, and nearby islands. Because the site is in a UNESCO-protected area and subject to strict measures, and because everyone involved in the project wanted it to have minimal impact on the landscape, the team settled on a square structure clad in stone from the same site. This was to be an extension of the stone fences protecting the vineyards. The investment in the winery, which also aims to develop Pico as a wine tourism destination, amounted to 3 million euros. The style of the wines is mineral, salty, well-balanced, and unlike anything else. If you need a score, Wine Advocate rated many of them over 90 points, and Vinha Centénaria 2018 rated at 95 points. We'll be perfectly honest and say that Azores Wine Company wines are among the favorites of the Lambier Wines team!
Reviews from critics
91/100
1 points
95-100
0
90-94
1
85-89
0
80-84
0
75-79
0
0-74
0
Wine Advocate
Mark Squires:"The winery emphasizes that the Verdelho in the 2018 Verdelho Original is "not to be confused with Gouveio of the mainland or Verdejo of Spain. [It is a] unique grape to the islands of Portugal, Madeira and Azores. It has never been found in mainland Portugal. An unoaked blend from three islands in the Azores, it comes in with 12.5% alcohol. This has its acidity beautifully integrated. It shows some expressiveness even at this young age and a lovely finish. It's big, relative to the style, and bright. It evolved nicely in the glass as well. This is a fine example of the brand. Whether it is a little better or a little behind the last couple of vintages is immaterial—it is pretty close. We'll see as they acquire some age. There were 9,902 bottles produced".