Azorean Island Of Pico Notches Up Wine Quality

After a visit fourteen years ago to Pico, one of nine Portuguese Azorean islands in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, I wrote a blog post about the vineyards. Five years earlier these had been given UNESCO World Heritage designation. This is because the vineyards are unique: most are non-trellised within small walled enclosures; the rock walls protect vines from Atlantic winds and also reradiate warmth absorbed during the day. Historically, the effort to build these walls had been gargantuan.

Seven years ago I visited Pico again to find the wine industry gaining a foothold with greater international recognition. Once again white wines dominated in quality, made primarily from the three local grapes of Arinto, Verdelho and Terrantez do Pico.