Iberian Islands Volcanic Wines

Ah summer, when thoughts turn to an island escapade. We consider two sets of remote islands, the Canaries (Spain) and the Azores (Portugal), which are closer to Africa. (See accompanying photos if you're curious where they are, and the different islands within each).

Both sets of islands also produce wine from their volcanic soils. In the Azores, the island of Pico accounts for 92% of vineyard area, while in the Canaries, the distribution is more balanced but Tenerife and Lanzarote are the leading producers.

While it's quite easy to visit both the Canaries and Azores via a quick flight from JFK, perhaps a taste of their wines will help you decide your next summer getaway.

Dinner will be at at UP Thai on the Upper East Side, which is a new venue for our group.

Here is their menu.

Just a reminder of our usual rules:

** The cost of this event is $26 and is for the cost of the wines and corkage fees.

You will also have to pay the cost of your food (plus 33% for tax and tip). Please order at least two courses (i.e. a main dish and either appetizer or dessert). There are very few restaurants that allow us to bring our own wine for a low corkage fee.

Cancellation policy - If you take spot, then cancel, and no one else takes the spot, you will not receive a refund or credit. No refunds or credits will be given for no-shows or late cancellations (unless someone else takes your spot). All cancellations are subject to a $10 service fee.

Please use public transportation - NO DRINKING AND DRIVING!

The Wines

Azores (background info)

# White - 2022 Ilha do Pico Acores Branco 'Terras de Lava' (Pico)

Grapes - 70% Arinto dos Açores; 30% combined Fernão Pires, Verdejo, Moscatel

A beautiful introduction to the wines of Ilha do Pico. Crisp and briny, with bright citrus fruit and savory herbs.

It's quite aromatic, with floral notes from the Arinto, dried peach and a touch of honey and beeswax. The palate is round and velvety but with a salty twist that is the signature of the island.

# Red - 2022 Azores Wine Company Tinto Vulcanico (Pico)

Grapes: Agronómica/Aragonez/Castelão/Malvarisco/Merlot/Saborinho/Shiraz/
Touriga Nacional

Open ruby color, nose with notes of alcoholic cherry, iodine and clove notes. In the mouth it is fresh, medium texture with plenty of saltiness and fine tannins. Fresh, elegant red wine, spicy and saline like few others. Ideal partner for grilled red meat and spicy dishes.

Canary Islands (background info)

# Rose - 2024 Los Bermejos Rosado (Lanzarote)

Grape: Listan Negro

One of my favorite roses. Bermejos is on the easternmost island of Lanzarote, the driest and most arid of the Canaries. With flavors of strawberry, salted watermelon, and blood orange to remind you of its maritime provenance, and a wisp of smoke, you’re sure to fall in love.

# White - 2022 Suertes del Marques Trenzado (Tenerife)

Grape: Listan Blanco

Pungent and beautifully refreshing. Real grip and green-fruited. Hugely distinctive. This is austere and discreetly citric, with green apples and a smoky note. The palate is balanced and bright, with a seductive texture that really makes this harmonious.

# Red - 2022 Fronton de Oro Tinto Tradicional (Gran Canaria)

Grape: Listan Negro

From vineyards planted on some of the highest-elevation sites in Gran Canaria - many above 3,000 feet - and in many cases on terraced slopes, although some are cultivated wildly and untrained. The name of the estate “Fronton de Oro” refers to a huge rock that shines with sunlight (the one that adorns their label) known locally as “El Frontón”.