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Insula Vinus, Chao de Lava AA, 2023

White Wine from Other Portugal, Portugal
by Insula Vinus
$39.99
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Paulo Machado grew up on Pico Island in the Azores, where vines have been cultivated in volcanic stone enclosures called "currais" for centuries. After co-founding the Azores Wine Company and serving as chief viticulturist through 2021, he launched his own Insula Vinus project. Chão de Lava (meaning "floor of lava") blends Arinto dos Açores and Verdelho from vineyards on Pico's southern and western coasts. These are among the coolest sites in the archipelago, frequently shrouded in clouds and fog, resulting in wines of just 12% alcohol with pronounced acidity and unmistakable maritime salinity. Fermented and aged on the lees for one year in stainless steel. The Atlantic influence is palpable—citrus, mineral, and sea spray. A window into one of the world's most distinctive wine regions.

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Robert Parker

91 points

"Insula is the biggest producer of rosé wine on Pico, and the 2023 Chão de Lava AA Rosé was produced with grapes that Machado doesn't like for reds: Syrah, Merlot, etc., though he hopes to soon produce some reds from the old red grapes (Bastardo, Rufete, Saborinho, etc.). This is his brand—a pale rosé with a gastronomical side, mineral, salty and fresh. It's a little reductive because it was very recently bottled, but the palate is very good, complete and balanced with volume, freshness and a clear, salty twist in the finish, keeping fruit and freshness. It has 12.2% alcohol, a pH of 3.43 and 7.49 grams of acidity. He thinks of it as a white with a little color. 14,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in February 2024." —Luis Gutiérrez

More about Insula Vinus

Paulo Machado is a third-generation Azorean winemaker who reserved his own fruit for Insula Vinus starting in 2006. He co-founded Azores Wine Company but kept his personal project separate—a field blend of Arinto dos Açores and Verdelho plus other native grapes from volcanic Pico Island. These are island wines with island conviction: pure, mineral, alive.

Wine Details

  • Grape Variety

    Arinto , Indigenous Field Blend , Verdelho , White Blend

  • Vintage

    2023

  • Size

    750ml

  • Sweetness

    Dry

  • Body

    Medium Bodied

Flatiron's Take

From the Importer

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Tasting Notes & Food Pairings

Perfect Pairings

Oysters and clams, grilled white fish, fresh goat cheese, steamed vegetables, light salads, seafood pasta

Tasting Profile

Pale straw with citrus, white flower, and mineral notes reflecting volcanic terroir. Light body with bright acidity and saline minerality. Crisp, mineral finish.