Cape Verde’s only wine, grown from vines planted on volcanic ash inside the Chã das Caldeiras crater on Fogo. The 2014 eruption buried much of the village and its cellars, and the vineyards were replanted on the new lava.
Wine is grown, not cooked, and this one exists because of a volcanic crater’s soil and microclimate; there is no procedure to write down.
What goes into it
- grapes grown on volcanic ash
- yeast
How it is made
Vines are grown low and unsupported in the crater’s ash, which holds the little moisture there is and reflects heat. The grapes are picked, pressed and fermented in the co-operative winery inside the caldera, then bottled young — most of it is drunk within a year or two.
How long it takes: one vintage a year
How it is eaten
With grilled fish and goat cheese, on the island or in Mindelo restaurants.
History
Vines planted in the Chã das Caldeiras crater on volcanic ash produce Cape Verde’s only wine; the 2014 eruption buried much of the village and its cellars.
Frequently asked questions
What is Vinho do Fogo?
Vinho do Fogo is a wine & spirit from Cape Verde: volcanic red and white wine grown inside Fogo’s caldera. Vines planted in the Chã das Caldeiras crater on volcanic ash produce Cape Verde’s only wine; the 2014 eruption buried much of the village and its cellars.
How is Vinho do Fogo made?
Vines are grown low and unsupported in the crater’s ash, which holds the little moisture there is and reflects heat. The grapes are picked, pressed and fermented in the co-operative winery inside the caldera, then bottled young — most of it is drunk within a year or two. It takes one vintage a year.
Can I make Vinho do Fogo at home?
No, and the atlas gives no method for it. Wine is grown, not cooked, and this one exists because of a volcanic crater’s soil and microclimate; there is no procedure to write down.
What goes into Vinho do Fogo?
Grapes grown on volcanic ash, yeast.
How is Vinho do Fogo eaten?
With grilled fish and goat cheese, on the island or in Mindelo restaurants.
