Arinto Riserva 'Rola-Pipa' Adega do Vulcao 2017

The Arinto Riserva 'Rola-Pipa' Adega do Vulcão is one of the most important labels of this young winery, which produces wines with a typically artisanal face in the distant Azores islands. It is a sunny, intense and fresh white, which gives an insight into the production of this small Portuguese archipelago. It is an original blend of indigenous grape varieties, capable of authentically restoring the volcanic character of the terroir and interpreting it in a straightforward and direct manner, thanks to a careful vinification that is very respectful of the high quality of the raw material.

"Rola-Pipa" Arinto Riserva from Adega do Vulcão is the result of an unusual project, which was created by an Italian couple. Gianni Mancassola and Cinzia Caiazzo fell so much in love with the Azores, that they dedicated themselves to viticulture in this fascinating land. The estate has about ten hectares, cultivated in respect of a still wild and unspoilt environment, lost in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The cuvée is made from the Arinto dos Açores, Verdelho and Terrantêz do Pico grapes grown on the estate's vineyards. The vines are rooted in soils composed of volcanic sands rich in mineral elements and are protected from the strong winds of the Atlantic Ocean by walls of basalt stones. The climate is sunny and cool, ideal for ripening white grapes. The grapes are hand-picked and selected in the vineyard. Fermentation takes place using only indigenous yeasts in temperature-controlled cement vats. The wine matures for 18 months in cement on its own yeasts, acquiring complexity and greater structure.

The Arinto Riserva 'Rola-Pipa' wine, from the Portuguese Adega do Vulcão winery, is an important white wine, to be enjoyed with savoury seafood dishes or white meats. A beautiful bright golden yellow colour, it already suggests its rich and intense character from its appearance. The bouquet is characterised by aromas of ripe yellow-fleshed fruit, peach, pineapple, hints of tropical fruit, candied citrus peel, nuances of wild flowers, officinal herbs, ginger and delicate spices. Ample and aromatically dense, it offers a deep and very persistent sip, crossed by a savoury trail, which leads to a fresh, citrusy and balsamic finish.