Blandys Madiera Bual 5Yr

Description

The Blandys are unique in being the only family of all the original founders of the Madeira wine trade to still own and manage their own original wine company.The family has played a leading role in the development of Madeira wine throughout its long history and in the economic development of this remote Atlantic Island and members of the family continue to live on Madeira, maintaining a tradition that goes back to 1811.Blandys Madeira remains totally dedicated to the traditions, care, and craftsmanship of Madeira Wine making and has been owned by the same family for 200 years and seven generations.VINEYARDS Various quality vineyards at Campanario and Calheta at altitudes of between 100 and 300m.VINIFICATION Blandy’s 5 year old Bual underwent fermentation off the skins with natural yeast at temperatures between 18C – 21C in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. After approximately 3 days, fortification with grape brandy takes place, arresting fermentation at the desired degree of sweetness.MATURATION Blandy’s 5 year old Bual was aged in American oak casks in the traditional ‘Canteiro’ system. This comprises of the gentle heating of the wine in the lofts of the lodges in Funchal. Over the years the wine is transferred from the top floors to the middle floors and eventually to the ground floor where it is cooler. After this gradual ‘estufagem’ the wine underwent racking and fining before the blend was assembled and bottled.TASTING NOTES Clear, amber color with tinges of gold; a bouquet of dried fruit, vanilla, wood and toffee with a smooth, medium-sweet finish and an excellent balance between the fruit and acidity.SERVING & CELLARAGE Blandy’s 5 year old Bual is fined and does not require decanting. It is excellent as an after dinner drink and also very good with fruit, milk chocolate, cakes and hard cheeses. It has been bottled when ready for drinking and will keep for several months after opening. – Blandy’s