Frei Gigante

wineStory/title

Situated in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean as part of the Azorean Islands, the viticulture of Pico Island is already present for generations. Originated in 1949, Cooperativa Vitivinícola da Ilha do Pico (CVIP) – Picowines, brings together most of the island winemakers to produce wine with a terroir you’ll never find somewhere else.

Currently we work with 250 associates which every year, by the time of harvest (August to September), deliver grapes in the best available quality, so we can vinify our wines in ways we do best - with a minimalist mindset and trying to keep the influence on processing as little as possible.

Our wines are special because of an extreme maritime climate and a unique landscape. The soil of Pico Island is consisting of basaltic lava, formed 50-240 thousand years ago - a vast area of vineyards that were classified in 2004 as World Heritage by the UNESCO. Being a volcanic island is without any doubt a big part of our identity, as Cooperativa Vitivinícola da Ilha do Pico, and as it is revealing in our products. The soil and climate, almost impenetrable and sometimes aversive, are giving special and unique characteristics to our wine.