2022 Insula Vinus - Arinto dos Acores (750ml)

This wine comes from Insula Vinus, the personal label of winemaker Paulo Machado, a native of Pico Island who co-founded Azores Wine Company before launching his own project farming plots he tends organically by hand. The Arinto dos Açores grape is a variety unique to the islands, unrelated to mainland Portugal's Arinto, planted in cracks of black basalt rock at the foot of Pico's volcanic mountain, in some cases just a hundred feet from the Atlantic. Vines are grouped in small clusters and sheltered by hand-built stone enclosures called currais, which protect them from relentless salty winds. The 2022 blends both younger and older vines from different parts of the island, fermented with indigenous yeast in a mix of stainless steel and 500-liter oak barrels, then aged on the lees for about 15 months.

The result is a citrusy, intensely mineral white with a greenish-yellow hue. Expect bright lemon and lime notes with a tropical edge, layered with the volcanic terroir's signature salinity. The palate is fresh and tense, with racy acidity balanced by textural richness from the extended lees aging, finishing long and saline.

Pairs beautifully with fish, shellfish, and other fresh seafood.