Vinho de Cheiro – a fragrant wine from the Azores
September 05, 2014
The Vinho de Cheiro, literally “wine of scent,” is a light red wine with a perfume-like fragrance that is found on several of the islands in the Azores, such as São Miguel, Graciosa, Pico, Santa Maria and Terceira. It is made from the American Isabelle grapes that were introduced in the 19th century when the phylloxera struck local vineyards.
Nowadays is a favorite at parties and picnics and in special occasions such as the festivities of the Holy Spirit. Local chefs use it to flavor the traditional octopus recipes or the “carne asssada à moda do Pico.”
Vinho de Cheiro is light and has low alcohol levels (6 to 10%) so it has a short life. Its fruit-rich flavors makes it a delicacy only available when visiting the islands of the Azores.
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