Adega do Vulcão Pé do Monte 2023 white

Adega do Vulcão Pé do Monte 2023 is the flagship white wine from one of the Azores’ most exciting producers, sourced from basalt lava fields at the foot of the extinct Pico volcano. This cuvée, based on old-vine Arinto dos Açores with smaller portions of Verdelho and Terrantez do Pico, has become a benchmark for Atlantic whites from Portugal. Following in the footsteps of earlier vintages – including a previous release crowned Best Dry White Wine of Portugal at Essência do Vinho – Pé do Monte 2023 continues the estate’s reputation for precision, minerality and island character.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Pé do Monte 2023 shows a bright, pale straw color with greenish reflections, hinting at both youth and vibrancy. The nose is intensely maritime and mineral-driven: sea spray, wet basalt stone and iodine weave together with citrus peel, green apple, quince and subtle notes of wild herbs and white flowers. On the palate, the wine is tense, focused and deeply saline, with a spine of zesty acidity that is very typical of Pico’s volcanic terroir. Lime, lemon zest and crunchy green orchard fruits lead, followed by more layered flavors of grapefruit pith, unripe pineapple and a touch of savory almond and smoke. The finish is long, mouthwatering and distinctly salty, leaving a clean, stony impression. While already highly expressive in its youth, the structure and acidity suggest strong aging potential: expect the wine to evolve beautifully over 5–8 years, gaining complexity, more in the direction of wax, dried citrus, and nutty, smoky nuances.

Production
The grapes for Pé do Monte 2023 come from 70–90-year-old, ungrafted vines planted on the Lajidos do Criação Velha, the iconic, UNESCO-recognized basalt terraces of Pico Island. Here, low stone walls (currais) protect the vines from harsh Atlantic winds while the pure lava rock soils provide excellent drainage and a naturally low yield, concentrating flavor and minerality. All fruit is harvested by hand in small crates, with rigorous selection in the vineyard to ensure only perfectly healthy bunches make it into the winery. After a gentle pressing, fermentation takes place at controlled temperatures to preserve freshness and aromatics, typically in stainless steel with careful lees contact to add texture and complexity without masking the terroir. The aim is clarity and purity: a precise expression of the Azores’ volcanic and maritime character rather than overt oak influence.

Food & Serving
This is a superb gastronomic white, made for the table. Classic pairings include raw and simply prepared seafood: oysters, clams, scallops, ceviche, sashimi or a simple plate of grilled prawns with lemon. It also shines with octopus, grilled or baked white fish, salted cod dishes, seafood risotto, and lightly spiced Asian cuisine where citrus and herbs play a central role. The wine’s brisk acidity can cut through richer plates such as butter-poached lobster or cream-based fish stews. Serve well-chilled at about 9–11°C (48–52°F) to emphasize freshness and salinity; as it warms slightly in the glass, more texture and complexity emerge. Decanting is not strictly necessary, but opening the bottle 20–30 minutes before serving or giving it a brief splash in a carafe can help the aromatics unfurl.

Producer
Adega do Vulcão is a boutique producer based on the Azorean islands, working primarily with heritage varieties and vineyards rooted in volcanic basalt. The winery has quickly gained international recognition for its precise, terroir-driven wines that capture the wild Atlantic climate and dramatic landscapes of Pico and the surrounding islands. By restoring old plots and cultivating ungrafted vines in the historic stone-walled parcels, Adega do Vulcão plays a key role in preserving the Azores’ viticultural heritage. Awards such as the Essência do Vinho accolade for Pé do Monte have cemented the estate’s status as a reference point for Azorean wines, showcasing that these remote Atlantic islands can produce white wines of world-class finesse, salinity and longevity.

We deliver within 2 - 6 business days. You can choose whether it should be to a parcel shop or home delivery. Free delivery to both parcel shops and your front door. Our store partners primarily use GLS, DPD, UPS and DHL for deliveries. We cover deliveries to the majority of countries in Europe.