In the heart of the North Atlantic, the Azores archipelago marks Europe’s westernmost frontier. On Pico Island, the second largest of the nine islands, lies the beating heart of Azorean wine production. Towering above the landscape is Pico Mountain, rising 2.351 meters to claim the title of Portugal’s highest peak. The mountain shapes the island’s diverse microclimates: cooler and wetter in the south and near the volcano, and drier in the west and north, where most vineyards flourish. Along the rugged coast, vines grow almost at the ocean’s edge, most famously in Criação Velha, a striking landscape recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004.
The soil on Pico Island is something extraordinary, or rather, its absence is. On this rugged Azorean Island in the central group, true soil is rare. Pico is the land of resilient people who turned volcanic basalt and its cracks into thriving vineyards. Where others saw only rock and impossibility, the island’s determined pioneers saw potential. Throughout the year, Pico’s wine landscape changes color, black in autumn and winter, then a mix of green and black in spring and summer. Searching for fissures in the basalt, the Picarotos (the island’s natives) planted vines, carefully tucking them into small pockets of soil carried over from nearby Faial. With patience, they gave the young roots just enough to begin their journey downward, letting time guide them through the basalt in search of life in the unlikeliest of places.
With names associated with viticulture, it is important to know what they mean:
“Curral” – a small vineyard unit protected by stone walls.
“Jeirão” – a row of “currais”.
“Canadas” are a row of walls where the “currais” are built.
“Bouquena” is the access path to the “currais” next to the “canadas.”
On Pico Island, the wind and sea breeze are constant companions, shaping both the land and the people. To protect their vines, locals have built countless dry-stone walls from basalt – a true labor of love. The island’s climate is ruled by the ocean and the mountains: mild temperatures year-round, high humidity, and frequent rain. As the locals like to say, you can experience all four seasons in a single day.
Here, every small patch of land or crack in the basalt is seen as a chance to plant a vine. Protecting those vines from the relentless wind and salty spray is essential. Careful attention is needed throughout the growing cycle, since the high humidity and frequent rain make fungal diseases a constant threat, more often than the Picarotos would like, sometimes causing heavy crop losses.
Is this the most demanding form of viticulture in the world? Perhaps. Yet the perseverance of Pico’s people keeps their winegrowing tradition alive. From the meeting of volcanic soil, sea breeze, and native grape varieties come wines with striking salinity and vibrant acidity – a true taste of this wild Atlantic island.
The diversity of grape varieties on Pico brings a wide range of fruit profiles to its wines. Three varieties stand out – Verdelho, Terrantez do Pico, and Arinto dos Açores. Verdelho tends to show a brighter, more tropical side, with notes of citrus and lemon peel. Terrantez do Pico is leaner and more mineral, with a tense, spicy character and less overt fruit. Arinto dos Açores, on the other hand, bursts with citrus flavors and remarkable acidity.
Each wine is shaped by the interplay between grape and place, a reflection of Pico’s volcanic landscape and oceanic climate. They are always distinctive, marked by vibrant acidity that gives them exceptional freshness and outstanding potential to age gracefully in the bottle.
Our slogan captures the essence of Tarelo, a commitment to quality above all else. It guides our mission and shapes everything we do. With a clear focus on expressing the best our vineyards have to offer, we strive to create wines of excellence that reflect the unique character of their origin. We craft wines for those who truly understand and appreciate them.
At Tarelo, wine is more than a drink – it’s an experience that engages every sense. Each bottle tells a story of tradition, dedication, and passion, expressed through the distinctive flavors and aromas that define Portuguese wine.
Our oenologist is a man driven by curiosity, dedicated to working with the island’s native grapes and transforming them into truly distinctive wines. A true alchemist, he turns grapes into creations that tell a story in every glass.
With a tireless passion for the art of winemaking, experimentation, and blending, Tiago seeks to reveal the essence of Pico through wines that captivate the senses.
Each label is an invitation to explore, a journey through the oenological universe of Pico Island.
