WTN: Arinto from the Azores

Cooperativa Vitivinícola da Ilha do Pico Arinto dos Açores Terroir Vulcânico 2018 - DO Pico, Azores islands; 100% Arinto dos Açores (not the same as Arinto from Vinho Verde but instead possibly related to Verdelho); 13% abv; c.25€

I really liked this one. The scent is sharp and spicy (not oak spice) and quite wild, reminding me a bit of the dry whites from Tokaji. Quite broad and rich on the palate but all that is contained by high acidity. The combination of such richness and raciness makes for a really exciting wine. Not maybe the most moreish wine because it does become a bit overwhelming after a couple glasses. But that's good in covid times when drinking alone since there's plenty left over for tomorrow. Buy again? A bit on the expensive side for what you get but still so interesting and tasty that I probably will occasionally.

[David M. Bueker]

Rich and racy is a good combination.

Hope you are staying well Saina.

[Jenise]

Saina, you made me look at my tasting notes on Cellar Tracker to see if I've had an arinto. The name sounded familiar but mentally I couldn't match a tasting experience to it. And yes, I found one. Portugese, but very different from yours, subdued and delicate about which I didn't seem all that excited, although these aren't negatives from me, vs. your rich and racy. Which can occur with any grape depending on vintage and vigneron, so I learned nothing. But your note will make it more likely I'd pink one up if I saw it tomorrow!

I have enjoyed some Arinto blends over the years but they come and go quick here in town. Quinta do Vallado is one to look out for.

Jenise, Bob, are we now speaking of the same Arinto? The one from Azores is different to that of mainland Portugal!

[Jenise]

Jenise, Bob, are we now speaking of the same Arinto? The one from Azores is different to that of mainland Portugal!

Understood, which is why I pointed out that mine was from Portugal. Still wanted to know if I'd ever had the grape.

[David M. Bueker]

So Arinto de Bucelas? Looking it up in Jancis’ Wine Grapes provides no evidence of there being two grape varieties by the same name except where Arinto is used as a name for a different grape.