CABO VERDE- CAPE VERDE-CAPE-VERT- : QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

1. Are the Cape Verde Islands French, English, Portuguese or independent?

Independent since 1975

2. What is its official language and what is its spoken language?

Portuguese is the official language and Créole is the spoken language

3. Around which year was viticulture introduced on the Islands?

  Around 1500 by the Portuguese

4. On which island is now all Cape Verdean viticulture located?

Fogo Island

5. What climate does the island enjoy?

Tropical

6. What is special about the viticulture of this Island?

It takes place in the crater of the Pico de Fogo volcano, which erupts on average every 17 years. This is why we can call the viticulture of Fogo heroic or extreme.

7. What is the area under vines

About 500 hectares

8. How are the vines pruned?

No pruning. They grow wild on the ground

9. With which French character is the Wine Island associated?

Armand de Montrond; « gentleman-farmer, engineer, builder, philanthropist, healer of the poor, prolific child producer (Montrond is a now common name on the island), rebel against the established colonial order and magician ».

10. What are the main grape varieties grown?

Portuguese grape varieties: Alfrocheiro (also known as Baboso Negro, and Bruñal), Castelão (also known as Periquita), Bastardo (also known as Trousseau or Maturana Tinta) and Schiava Grossa (also known as under the name of Black Hamburg) and locally under the name of moscatel negro.

For whites, the main grape variety is Moscatel de Setúbal better known as Muscat of Alexandria.

11. The Island produces a “traditional wine”; What’s its name ?

Manecom. This wine can be white or red, sweet or dry, but consumers’ favorite version is the sweet red.

12. What is the particularity of the legislation on wines and alcohols in Cape Verde?

There are only a few restrictions on the terms of sale. All inhabitants can make wine and sell it.

13. What is the name of the world-famous Cape Verdean singer?

Cesaria Evora