António Maçanita is best known for his Fita Preta wines in Alentejo, though with his newer venture he looked to the volcanic islands of the Azores. Very little of this rosé is made — only 6,960 bottles of this vintage — though lucky Ontario scores 120 cases annually. The Azores, a volcanic archipelago and wine region in the Atlantic off Portugal, grow wine grapes on 3 of the 9 islands. This is from the island of Pico and its pure volcanic, black basaltic, scrabbly rocky soils. This blends 5-30+ year-old Saborino, Agronomica, Aragones, Touriga Nacional and many other co-planted varieties across 13 vineyards, sustainably grown in wee plots (2 to 6 bush trained vines per square), planted at sea level in 1991. Stainless steel preserves the crisp fruit and no maceration created the appealing scant orange hue. The 600-1,000 l stainless barrels were lain on their sides to give more lees/wine contact and texture on the palate. Super salty, briny and savoury from first whiff to the finish, this marine wine is not about fruit, though there are kisses of young strawberry and wild raspberry that line the slip of the mineral-dominant palate, one that lingers with bergamot/Aperol bitterness. Smashable, and for drinking now, liberally.
Aromatic with loads of strawberry, raspberry, citrus and cranberry, juicy acidity, and great balance and weight. Hits far above its price point. A blend of Vinhão and Touriga Nacional. Roasted suckling pig or tandoori chicken are ideal.
Linear, intense, minerally and savoury, lemon-lime-tangerine citrus, firm, crisp, elegant and full of character from the granitic soils in which the grapes are grown. Will cut through the fat of fried dishes or pair well with raw shellfish.
Complex and full with a round texture, bright acidity, citrus and white nectarine notes, purity and finesse, some minerality, balanced, soft, finishing with a light fruitiness and persistence. Drink with whitefish and pork dishes over the next 2-3 years.
Refreshing and light, pleasantly persistent, good acidity and mineral notes. Don’t serve too cold as the subtlety of its flavours become more expressive as the wine warms in the glass. Drink young and fresh. A blend of Avesso, Alvarinho and Arinto.
Focused, linear, minerally and fresh with mouth-watering acidity, slightly round texture, hints of apple and melon with a lovely crisp and refreshing finish. Perfect with a crab salad. A blend of Avesso and Chardonnay.
The wine initially appears simple and fresh, and it is, but it also has a fullness and length that make it an incredible value. Bright, fresh, round with citrus notes and a persistent finish. A great aperitif and bacalhau is a natural match, but the wine will also hold up to pork and potato dishes.