Azores

Azoren
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To Portugal owned archipelago in the central Atlantic, 1500 km west of mainland Portugal was already known in antiquity and was rediscovered in 1432 by the Portuguese. It consists of nine volcanic islands ² with a total of 2,300 km. The main island of São Miguel is the capital Ponta Delgada, the others are Corvo, Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, Santa Maria, Sao Jorge and Terceira. The climate is subtropical, oceanic, the average Humidity is in the humid and warm air 75 to 90 percent. The Portuguese brought vines from their home countries, the first motivation for viticulture was the production of altar wine . In the 17th Century was carried out here on all the islands viticulture and wine delivered to the Russian Zarenhof even. In the 19th Century, many vineyards by phylloxera and mildew destroyed. In three of the islands are defined as areas of IPR, which are Biscoitos (this small island is one of Terceira), Graciosa and Pico. Especially acid-stressed white wines from the varieties Arinto, Fernao Pires, Terrantez and Verdelho produced, which are also gespritet. The Vinho do Cheiro (smelling wine) from American varieties is produced throughout the islands. Graciosa is also known for the aguardente (brandy). A special feature on the Pico with walls of volcanic rock surrounded by vineyards, which protect against the harsh sea wind.