Ilha do Pico “Terras de Lava” Branca Azores 2020

This is quite a classy quaffer, full of smoky volcanic minerality and oceanic freshness. Not much wine makes it off the Azores islands, so it is a treat when we see it stateside. Orchard fruits of pear and apple, tropical fruits of papaya, kiwi, pineapple and tangerine. There is far too much going on in the glass for this to cost only $20. Think of it as a giant step up from high quality Vino Verde.