Arinto Riserva 'Pé do Monte' Adega do Vulcao 2021

The Arinto Reserva 'Pé do Monte' from the Portuguese winery Adega do Vulcao is a white wine from the Azores with a volcanic identity, the expression of old vines planted on the island of Pico. In this unique context, the Atlantic climate determines the fresh and perfumed character of the wines produced here, endowed with evocative marine references. In the case of 'Pé do Monte', literally 'foot of the mountain', the vines are rooted on what is known as 'lajido', a layer of solidified lava formed over the centuries by countless volcanic eruptions. This peculiar nature of the soil results in low grape yields, compensated by very high quality. In addition, to protect the vines from the strong ocean winds, the vineyards are surrounded by characteristic dry stone walls, forming a breathtaking wine-growing landscape that was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

Adega do Vulcao Arinto Reserva 'Pé do Monte' comes from a blend of the indigenous grape varieties Arinto dos Açores (90%) and Terrantêz do Pico (10%), cultivated in old vines, aged between 70 and 80 years, planted on volcanic soils of the lajido type. Manual harvesting is followed by white vinification with alcoholic fermentation of the must in tulip-shaped cement containers, the same wine vats where the wine matures for a few months. This is followed by a further 4 months in unroasted French oak barrels before final bottling.

The 'Pé do Monte' Arinto Reserva from Adega do Vulcao has a brilliant golden yellow colour. The aromas range from notes of white-fleshed fruit and citrus fruits to decisive mineral hints of flint and iodine. The taste is fresh, deep and vibrant, with a long, refined persistence characterising the finish, in which the strong mineral sensations previously perceived on the nose return.