"Each wine in the Lambier Wines collection embodies the uniqueness of the terroir and the experience of a winemaker who has masterfully realized his talent. In this way, a unique range is formed that reflects the highest art of winemaking. The “Azores Wine Company” makes a special contribution to this process. These volcanic-Atlantic wines combine all the fashionable trends of recent years: low alcohol, ringing acidity, and marine minerality.... oh, salinity"
In 2023, for the first time in history, a winery from the Azores was included in the list of the 100 best wineries of the year, compiled by the authoritative American magazine Wine&Spirits. At the same time, Forbes magazine paid special attention to gastronomy, listing the Azores Wine Company as one of the 50 restaurants in the world to visit in 2023. In this article, we want to immerse the reader in the uniqueness of terroir and talk about the people behind the creation of some of the most sought-after wines.
In the world of wine, some merely produce wine, and then some visionaries redefine an entire region's viticultural identity. Azores Wine Company is undeniably one such visionary and celebrated wine project in Portugal, a nation with an illustrious winemaking heritage dating back centuries. But what sets this winery apart from the rest? To understand the essence of Azores Wine Company, one must appreciate the audacity it took to thrust Azores wines onto the contemporary map of oenophilia.
The Visionaries: Winemakers Extraordinaire
To create a winery that could match the caliber of their grapes, the founders embarked on a journey of research and inspiration. Their quest led them to the Loire Valley, a region renowned for its boutique vineyards and a genetic connection to the Azorean grape varieties. Unlike traditional French wineries, the Azores Wine Company's site boasts a breathtaking panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean, the volcanic Mount Pico, and neighboring islands.
The decision to construct this winery within a UNESCO-protected area required precision and restraint. The team recognized the importance of minimizing their environmental footprint while preserving the unique landscape. Thus, they settled upon a design that incorporated locally sourced stone, an extension of the stone fences that protect the precious vineyards.
A Monumental Investment: Cultivating Pico as a Wine Tourism Destination
The commitment to creating something truly exceptional is evident not only in their wines but also in the substantial investment that this project represents—a staggering 3 million euros. This investment is not merely about producing wine; it's about nurturing the island of Pico as a burgeoning wine tourism destination.
Pico lacks beaches, but it offers a wealth of activities for visitors. Tourists can enjoy vineyard tours, ascend Mount Pico, which last erupted in 1720, venture into lava caves, engage in whale watching, and swim in the azure waters heated by the Gulf Stream.
The wines themselves are a revelation. They possess a distinct minerality, a tantalizing saltiness, and an impeccable balance that defies categorization. They are, quite simply, unlike anything else you've ever tasted. If numerical scores are your preference, know that renowned critics at Wine Advocate have consistently rated many of their wines over 90 points, with Vinha Centenaria 2018 earning a stellar 95.
The Essence of Terroir
For a winemaker, the concept of terroir is sacrosanct. It's the idea that wine is not just the result of grapes and winemaking techniques but an expression of the land, climate, and culture from which it emerges. Azores Wine Company embraces this philosophy with fervor, and it's evident in every sip of their wines.
The terroir of Pico, with its rocky volcanic soil, unique microclimate, and proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, is the secret ingredient that infuses their wines with an unparalleled character. It's as if the very essence of the Azores archipelago is captured in each bottle, making every tasting a journey to the heart of this remote paradise.
However, growing grapes in the Azores is challenging. It can be easy to lose some of your harvest here, as happened in 2019 when Azores Wine Company experienced the loss of part of one of their vineyards located near the ocean due to a storm. Due to the inability to employ tractors, all vineyards receive manual care and attention.
Winemakers: The Craftsmen of Azores Wine Company
Behind every great wine, there's a passionate winemaker, and Azores Wine Company is no exception. The company is a collaborative effort led by talented Antonio Maçanita, Filipe Rocha, and Paulo Machado.
António Maçanita, a highly acclaimed and dynamic winemaker from Portugal, has gained recognition for his exceptional winemaking skills. From the Azores to Alentejo, he crafts wines that beautifully embody the unique terroir and traditional essence of each region. In 2018, António was honored as the Winemaker of the Year by Revista de Vinhos magazine, a prestigious accolade that acknowledges his outstanding contributions to the industry. Additionally, he received the 2018 Singularity Award from Revista Grandes Escolhas, further highlighting his remarkable talent and innovation. Notably, António has played a vital role in championing Azorean wines and preserving the nearly extinct Terrantez do Pico grape variety, showcasing his dedication to the heritage and diversity of Portuguese viticulture.
For numerous years, Filipe Rocha served as the Executive Director of the Azores School of Hospitality and Tourism Training, playing a pivotal role in transforming vocational education in the region and advocating for Azorean wines. Alongside António Maçanita and Paulo Machado, he is not only the driving force behind the company but also its emotional core.
Azores Wine Company is more than a winery; it's a portal to an uncharted wine region, a place where philosophy, culture, and nature intersect. It's a reminder that the world of wine is vast and diverse, and the true beauty lies in exploring its lesser-known corners. It's a story that continues to unfold, with each bottle carrying the essence of the Azores to far-flung corners of the world.
