Oceânico D.O.P. Pico Arinto dos Açores (Herdade do Rocim) is a white wine from the Azores (Portugal), made from the local Arinto dos Açores grape on Pico Island (DOP Pico).
Key Information
- Producer: Herdade do Rocim (Alentejo) – their first wine from the Azores.
- Region / Appellation: DOP Pico (Ilha do Pico, Azores). Vineyards include sites such as Criação Velha. The Pico Island vineyard landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 2004).
- Grape Variety: 100% Arinto dos Açores – a unique indigenous Azorean variety (unrelated to mainland Portuguese Arinto). It is well-adapted to the harsh conditions, showing strong minerality and salinity.
- Terroir: Volcanic soils (basalt – the “Black Island”), strong Atlantic influence, traditional basalt-stone walled plots (currais) that protect the vines, hand cultivation and harvesting.
Characteristics (based on available data for vintages 2021–2024)
- Colour: Golden-green.
- Aroma: Notes of gunpowder/flint, sea breeze, sulphur, citrus (lemon, grapefruit), mineral and saline tones that clearly express the volcanic-Atlantic terroir.
- Palate: Good volume, marked freshness, high acidity, pronounced minerality and salinity. Balanced, lively, with a long finish.
- Alcohol: Typically 12–12.5% vol.
- Residual sugar: Very low (approx. 0.6–0.7 g/l).
- Acidity: Around 7.0 g/l; pH approx. 3.25.
- Winemaking: Fermentation in wooden vats with temperature control (often spontaneous with indigenous yeasts). Aged for about 6 months on fine lees (sur lies). Low-intervention approach. Vinification frequently takes place at the Pico Wines winery.
- Serving temperature: 10–12 °C.
- Food pairing: Seafood, grilled fresh fish, white meats, or as an aperitif.
Additional Notes
Oceânico aims to highlight the pure volcanic and Atlantic character of Pico’s terroir. Critic scores for recent vintages (e.g. 2023) reach around 91 points (Revista de Vinhos). The wine is vegan; some sources note sustainable or organic farming practices.