📍 Graciosa

Graciosa is a small island in the central group of the Azores, in the Atlantic Ocean, belonging to Portugal. The island is volcanic, with green plains and a caldera, and its climate is mild and oceanic, with frequent winds and humidity. Vineyards are small, and the vines grow on volcanic soil not far from the ocean.

The island has its own appellation, DOC Graciosa. The wines are white and still: fresh, with high acidity and citrus and salty notes that come from the ocean and the volcanic soil. The main grape is Verdelho, one of the traditional Azorean grapes. Arinto grows alongside it. Volumes are very small, so almost all the wine is drunk on the island itself.

The Azores are part of Portugal as an autonomous region. Grapes have been grown there since the first settlers in the 15th century, and today winemakers are reviving old traditions and drawing the interest of connoisseurs.

For comparison with its neighbours: wine is made on other islands of the Azores too, especially on Pico, whose lava-field vineyards are on the UNESCO list, and on Terceira.