Verdelho from Insula Vinus is sourced from sites on Pico both in São Mateus on the cooler south side and from older vines in Criação Velha on the west coast. The grapes grow on black basalt and are protected by currais, yielding a combination of sea-spray salinity, freshness, and clear volcanic minerality.
The grapes are selectively hand-harvested into 15 kg crates. Whole clusters are gently pressed and given brief skin contact (~24 hours) before racking. Fermentation and extended aging take place sur lie in small horizontal stainless-steel tanks, partly complemented by used French oak barrels. A total of about 24 months on the lees is followed by roughly 2 years of bottle aging before release.
In the glass you’ll find cool, ocean-tinged fruit with citrus, yellow stone fruit, and discreet tropical notes, interwoven with crushed stone and basalt. The palate is taut and energetic, with salty texture, high acidity, and a long, stony finish.