A rare and exclusive wine has just arrived on the market. The Tarelo Potion Licoroso DOC Pico 2003 is a treasure from the Azores, made from grapes grown on the lajido — a unique volcanic soil that gives the region’s wines an unparalleled identity.
With an edition limited to just 300 bottles, this licoroso pays tribute to the winemaking tradition of the Azores and the excellence of wines from the Island of Pico.
A Wine that is a Masterpiece
Made with the Arinto, Terrantez do Pico, and Verdelho grapes, Tarelo Potion comes from old vines cultivated on 9-square-meter plots in the Lajido da Criação Velha, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The grapes undergo a natural dehydration process that intensifies the sugar content, resulting in a naturally sweet wine with no added alcohol. This dessert licoroso has been aged for 20 years in barrels, resulting in unmatched aromatic complexity and sophistication. Marco Faria, Paulo Laureano, and Tiago Macena lead the winemaking team behind this masterpiece.
History and International Prestige
Legend has it that bottles of this precious wine were found in the cellars of the last Tsar, Nicholas II, during the Bolshevik Revolution. At the time, Pico’s licoroso wines were symbols of luxury and refinement.
“They have been famous since the Age of Exploration, gaining international prestige in the 18th and 19th centuries. They were highly appreciated at the Russian court, including by Tsar Nicholas II, because of their quality and unique profile. The Russian tradition of consuming sweet wines favored Pico wines, making them symbols of luxury and sophistication” – Cláudio Martins, CEO of Martins Wine Advisor.
A Collector’s Masterpiece
Each bottle of Tarelo Potion is an invitation to exclusivity, with a design intended for collectors and a price reflecting its rarity: €900.
More than a wine, it is a testament to the historical and cultural richness of the Island of Pico, and an excellent investment opportunity for those wishing to acquire a wine with high potential for appreciation.
Distributed by Super Grapes Wine & Spirits, Tarelo Potion is available at vinha.co.uk.