Vintage Madeira
The
remarkable longevity of Madeira is best exemplified by the Vintages, which
can remain in excellent condition for around 150 years and in some instances
longer still. The 1908 Bual is and outstanding example of this.
Vintage Madeira are only made from the superior wines of a particularly
fine year. They are produced solely from one of the traditional grape
varieties and must remain in cask for a minimum of 20 years (though much
longer periods are common) after which they spend a further two years
in bottle prior to being offered for sale.
The 1920 Bual is considered one of the finest Bual Vintages this
century has produced.
The 1940 Sercial
is a magnificent noble wine of great elegance.
Terrantez Vintages are most sought after as they have always been
rare and long considered very fine individualistic wines. Of particular
note is the 1974, well balanced, wonderful bouquet and lingering finish.
Set parallel to the oldest street in Funchal in a cobbled courtyard, is
the Old Blandy Wine Lodge. Sampling rooms go back to the 17th century.
Here you can sample wine from 1908, to the more recently introduced colheitas.
Once the annex to a 17th Century Franciscan monastery now houses
some 800,000 litres of Madeira wine. The main tasting bar has historic
murals painted by the German artist Max Romer and is worth a visit, however
also not to be missed is the vintage room, where wines are available to
purchase by the glass dating back a hundred years. There is a gift centre
with many souvenir ideas and wine related gifts and at street level the
wine shop which has a wide range of wines, spirits and liqueurs.
Guided tours of the museum and ageing stores held daily.
The Blandy Range of
Madeira's:
•
Duke of Clarence
Rich, full bodied and soft textured. A splendid after dinner
drink.
•
Duke of Cumberland
A deep coloured luscious medium rich Madeira. Excellent
with desserts and cheeses.
•
Duke of Cambridge
A medium dry Madeira with crisp fruit. Serve as an aperitif
or light dessert accompaniment.
•
Duke of Sussex
A lighter, delicate Madeira with clean fresh flavours.
Its dryness makes it an excellent aperitif wine.
Rainwater is medium dry pale Madeira. Served lightly chilled as an aperitif.
Rich
Malmsey; Medium Rich Bual: Medium Dry Verdelho: Pale Dry Sercial.
If you would like to know more about Madeira wine, visit the Old Madeira
Wine House or arrange a Madeira wine inspired vacation please contact
us and we will take care of everything for you.
The patio
of the Old Blandy Wine Lodge.
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History