Very dark amber color. Nose dominated by tiramisù (a mix of cream, cocoa and coffee), with some nutty and tea sensations. In the mouth, the (sour) creamy side dominates and it reminds me of Baileys Irish Cream. The aftertaste linger for a very long time.
Although it owns a lot of its fame to the island’s geographical location in the Atlantic Ocean and its consequent importance as a hub for sea traffic, Madeira is one of the treasures of the wine world.
Madeira Malmsey is made from the Malvasia grape variety of Portugal’s Madeira DOC. A grape variety that retains its acidity as it develops sugar. This is one characteristic that allows Madeira Malmsey wines to be amongst the most long-lived in the world. Another reason is the production process.
Like Port, Madeira is a fortified wine, a wine to which brandy has been added. Moreover, during the production process Madeira is subjected to heating and oxidation. All elements that impart stability to the wine.
The highest quality Madeira are aged slowly by the Canteiro method, by which the wine is stored in barrels and aged naturally, experiencing the temperature swings of the seasons and the daily heat of the sun.
While the majority of Madeiras are blends of vintages and grape varieties, it is the Vintage Madeiras, and the now-vanishing Soleras, that are Madeira’s claim to greatness.
Vintage and Solera Madeiras are not simply a selection of the best wines from the best years, they are made from traditional noble grape varieties, after which the wines are named.
These names: Malmsey, Bual, Verdelho and Sercial, not only describe a grape variety, they also describe a style, with Malmsey being the sweetest and richest and Sercial being the lightest and driest.
For a wine to be labeled as a “Frasqueira” (Vintage) Madeira it has to remain in cask for a minimum of 19 years and spend an additional year in bottle. It therefore cannot be released before it reaches the age of 20.
This bottle currently sells for 430 CHF at ARVI. Only one is left!
Country: Portugal
Region: Madeira
Grapes: Malvasia
Type: Fortified wine
Vintage: 1940
Producer: Blandy’s
Price range: Luxury (>100 US$)
Pascal’s Enjoyment Index: 3/5