Azores Wine Company Erupção Vulcânica

Azores Wine Company Erupção Vulcânica 2019 is a striking red that captures the dramatic tension between ocean and volcano on the remote island of Pico. Born from basaltic soils and Atlantic winds, this cuvée is both intense and refreshingly vibrant, offering a very different expression of Portuguese red wine. It’s a captivating choice for curious wine lovers seeking something rare, terroir-driven, and profoundly mineral.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Erupção Vulcânica 2019 shows a translucent ruby to deep garnet hue, with a slight brightness at the rim that hints at its coastal freshness. The nose is complex and savory, layered with wild red berries, black cherry, and plum, interwoven with notes of dried herbs, black tea, volcanic stone, and a touch of salty sea spray. Subtle hints of smoke, graphite, and a light floral lift from Touriga Nacional add further depth. On the palate, this is medium-bodied and finely structured, with vibrant acidity and sleek, well-integrated tannins. Flavors of juicy redcurrant, sour cherry, and blackberry mingle with peppery spice, earthy undertones, and a distinct mineral edge that feels almost saline. The finish is long and precise, driven more by tension and freshness than sheer power. Enjoyable now with a brief aeration, it has the structure to evolve gracefully over the next 5–8 years, gaining more savory, tertiary complexity.

Production
The grapes for Erupção Vulcânica 2019 come from low-yielding vineyards on Pico, where vines are painstakingly trained in traditional stone-walled enclosures (currais) to protect them from Atlantic winds and sea spray. The volcanic basalt soils, combined with the cool maritime climate, give naturally low vigor, high acidity, and distinctive mineral character. Harvest is typically done by hand, parcel by parcel, to ensure optimal ripeness across the blend of Touriga Nacional, Agronómica, and Aragonez. In the cellar, the fruit is gently crushed and fermented in temperature-controlled tanks, often with careful extraction to preserve finesse rather than heaviness. Aging takes place in a combination of tank and older oak, allowing the wine to gain texture and complexity without overwhelming its pure, Atlantic-driven freshness.

Food & Serving
This volcanic red pairs beautifully with grilled and roasted dishes that echo its savory, mineral profile. Think grilled tuna or swordfish, roast pork with herbs, charred octopus, hearty seafood stews, or simply prepared lamb chops. It also works well with aged sheep’s cheeses and rustic Portuguese fare such as chouriço, roasted peppers, and tomato-based dishes. Serve at around 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight both its aromatic complexity and refreshing acidity. A short decant of 30–45 minutes helps the wine open up, softening the tannins and bringing out more of the floral and smoky volcanic notes.

Producer
Azores Wine Company was founded in 2014 by winemaker António Maçanita and partners with a mission to revive and elevate the historic but endangered viticulture of the Azores islands. On Pico, vines have been grown for centuries in dramatic volcanic landscapes, protected from the ocean by intricate dry-stone walls—a UNESCO World Heritage vineyard landscape. Azores Wine Company has quickly become one of the most exciting names in Portuguese wine, championing native varieties, extreme Atlantic terroir, and minimalist, terroir-focused winemaking. Their wines, including Erupção Vulcânica, have attracted international acclaim for their purity, originality, and ability to express the raw energy of volcano and sea in the glass.

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.