Vinha dos Aards 2023

Vinha dos Aards 2023

Vinha dos Aards 2023 is a rare white wine from the Azores Wine Company, produced at Criação Velha on the island of Pico, just 60 metres from the sea. Created by António Maçanita, this wine revives a historic 1.45-hectare vineyard, planted in the crevices of the volcanic rock of the lagido and protected by stone walls against the Atlantic winds. The vineyard, which is around 96 years old and organically farmed, impressively expresses the maritime and mineral identity of the Azores. In 2023, the wine retains the profile of great concentration, freshness and salinity that makes the great white wines of Pico so unique: wines born literally between the rock, the wind and the sea.

Vinification: Produced from old-vine grapes grown on the volcanic soil of Criação Velha, with meticulous care taken to preserve acidity, mineral tension and saline expression. The approach prioritises the purity of the fruit and an understanding of the terroir, without masking the vineyard’s Atlantic vigour.

Tasting notes: Citrus-yellow colour with hints of straw. On the nose, notes of iodine, salt, lime blossom and pitanga. On the palate, it has a dense and very concentrated attack, with vibrant acidity that lingers to the finish, followed by a distinct sensation of salt and iodine. An intense, deep and unmistakably maritime white.

Grape varieties: Arinto dos Açores over 90%, Verdelho, Alicante Branco and Boal