Welcome to Da Gama Wines' Wine of the Month! This November, we are thrilled to spotlight the Erupção Vulcânica 2019 Red Blend from the Azores Wine Company—a wine that brings the breathtaking flavors of volcanic terrain right to your glass. Crafted by acclaimed winemaker António Maçanita, this unique red blend is grown in the rugged volcanic soils of Pico Island, Azores. Here’s why this bottle deserves a place in your collection.
Quick Facts
- Wine: Erupção Vulcânica 2019, Red Blend
- Winemaker: António Maçanita, Azores Wine Company
- Grapes: A fascinating mix of Malvarisco, Bastardo, Rufete, Saborinho, Agronómica, Aragonês, Castelão, Touriga Nacional, and more
- Alcohol: 11%
- Aging: 50% aged in barrels, 50% in stainless steel, with an average of 30 months of maturation
- Production: Limited to 6,666 bottles
- Serving Temperature: Best served at 16°C, enjoyed at 18°C
- Ideal Pairings: Rich meats, hearty casseroles, Azorean fish stews like caldeiradas and cataplanas
About the Wine and Tasting Experience
A sip of the Erupção Vulcânica 2019 is more than just wine—it’s a sensory journey to the wild Azorean landscape. This limited-edition red, produced by the prestigious Azores Wine Company and helmed by António Maçanita, is the culmination of a passion for ancient vines, a drive to bring forgotten grape varieties back to life, and a dedication to the unique volcanic terroir of Pico Island. Founded in 2014, the Azores Wine Company has quickly become an icon of innovation and heritage, bringing the terroirs of the Azores to global acclaim. Each bottle of the Erupção Vulcânica 2019 captures the salt-laden winds, basalt rock, and Atlantic breezes that shape the character of this extraordinary wine.
The Erupção Vulcânica 2019 is crafted from a meticulously curated blend of grapes, including lesser-known varieties such as Saborinho and Agronómica, and well-loved grapes like Touriga Nacional. The result is a strikingly fresh and mineral-driven wine with an unmistakable volcanic influence. On the nose, expect rich aromas of red fruit, complemented by an underlying smokiness and a subtle, salty edge reminiscent of the Atlantic Ocean itself. As the wine unfolds on your palate, its crisp acidity, intriguing minerality, and silky tannins shine, offering a medium-bodied structure that’s both elegant and bold. This is a wine built for complexity yet balanced by refreshing notes that make it incredibly versatile.
A Unique Terroir
What sets the Erupção Vulcânica 2019 apart is its terroir—volcanic soils that lend a distinctive minerality and salinity. The vineyards are rooted in cracks of volcanic rock, known locally as "biscoito," only meters away from the crashing waves of the Atlantic. This extreme environment, combined with meticulous care and traditional winemaking practices, makes every sip of the Erupção Vulcânica 2019 a taste of Pico Island itself.
Technical Winemaking Details
The Erupção Vulcânica 2019 undergoes an intricate winemaking process that reflects both tradition and modern craftsmanship. The grapes are carefully hand-harvested in small 20kg baskets, ensuring only the best fruit is selected. Upon arrival at the winery, the grapes are further inspected on a sorting table. For fermentation, the wine combines 30% whole-cluster with 70% destemmed grapes, allowing for a layered complexity. The fermentation is spontaneous, relying on native yeasts, and involves a 25 to 30-day maceration on the skins, which draws out the natural textures and complexity of the grapes.
After fermentation, the wine is aged for an average of 30 months, with 50% maturing in barrels and the other half in stainless steel tanks, balancing the wine's robustness with elegance. This extended aging approach adds a subtle oak influence and softens the wine’s tannins without overpowering its natural volcanic character
Perfect Pairings
Erupção Vulcânica’s layered flavors make it a versatile partner for a wide range of dishes. It pairs beautifully with rich meats, such as slow-roasted beef or lamb, and also enhances the flavors of traditional Azorean dishes like caldeirada or cataplana—hearty seafood stews that bring out the wine’s maritime salinity. Its balanced acidity also complements casseroles and robust stews, creating a harmonious dining experience.
What The Critics Are Saying
The Erupção Vulcânica 2019 Red Blend has captivated critics and connoisseurs alike for its unique volcanic profile and bold, expressive flavors. Wine expert Sarah Ahmed, known for her discerning palate and deep appreciation for Portuguese wines, praised the Erupção Vulcânica 2019, stating that it is
“a wine that speaks vividly of its terroir—a mineral-laden red with a saline backbone and a liveliness that is almost oceanic.”
Ahmed highlights how the Azores’ volcanic landscape shines through with each sip, lending the wine a distinctly earthy, saline finish.
In addition, the wine review publication Wine Enthusiast awarded this blend a high rating, applauding it as
“an evocative wine with layers of smoky red fruit and herbal notes, underpinned by an invigorating acidity that keeps the palate fresh and eager for the next sip... a wine for those who seek the unconventional, a standout in any tasting lineup for its originality and depth”.
Why This Wine Belongs in Your Collection
The Erupção Vulcânica 2019 isn’t just for drinking; it’s for savoring. It’s a wine for those who crave adventure in their glass, a rare taste of a wine region that remains almost untouched by commercialized viticulture. Perfect for those who appreciate the finer details in winemaking, this bottle is a testament to António Maçanita’s skill, passion, and commitment to bringing Portugal’s lesser-known wines to the forefront.
With such a limited production and a taste profile that stands out from other reds, Erupção Vulcânica 2019 is a true collector’s item. Each bottle captures the strength of its volcanic origins and the freshness of the Atlantic breeze, making it a memorable addition to any wine lover’s cellar.
Order Now on Da Gama Wines
Experience the essence of volcanic terroir in every sip. Order your bottle of Erupção Vulcânica 2019 Red Blend today, and bring a piece of the Azores to your collection!
