Madeira

Winemaker Description 

Blandy's 5-year old Verdelho is a dark golden brown in color with the characteristic aromatic complexity of Madeira wines - raisins, dried apricots, roasted nuts, toffee and a distinctive marine note. Great with many desserts especially fruit based tarts, cakes, cheeses. Also, a great accompaniment to foie gras.

Clear, topaz color, with a golden rim. Complex nose, revealing a fresh bouquet with raisins, dried fruits, wood and spices. 

Verdelho grapes are hand-harvested and fermented off the skins in stainless steel tanks. Neutral grape spirit is added to stop the fermentation at the desired level of sweetness. Then, the wines are aged in American oak casks and heated in the traditional Canteiro system, meaning they are transferred from higher floors in the lodge where it is warm to cooler floors below. The wine is regularly racked before bottling.

The island of Madeira is known for its distinctive varietal wines. Each varietal defines a particular style. Madeira wines are typically made from only one varietal, each made in one of the four Madeira styles: Dry, Medium-Dry, Medium Rich, and Rich. Madeira wines are fortified with grape spirit and have higher alcohol than so-called 'light' wines.

Expert Reviews 

Decanter 93 Points | Sercial is not the easiest grape to appreciate but this amber-coloured wine has lovely, lifted savoury-nutty aromas and clean spicy flavours with characteristic acidity. Text book Sercial: a wonderful aperitif or try a glass to accompany sushi and sashimi. 

The Wine Enthusiast 92 Points | As warmer weather approaches, this is a wine that should immediately come to mind at aperitif time. This bone-dry style, with its inimitable nutty character, is so fresh, so vibrant. It has some tannins, enlivening acidity giving a great lift at the end. Bring on the freshly salted, roasted almonds.

James Suckling 91 Points | A dry and angular sercial with sea breeze and subtle hazelnuts on the nose. The palate is lovely and angular, with lots of freshness, dry fruit and a nervy, saline finish.

John Gilman 90 Points | Blandy’s Ten Year-Old Sercial is quite light in color, with a distinctive golden tinge to this amber wine. The complex bouquet is bright and nicely high-toned, wafting from the glass in a mix of orange peel, dried apples, cardamom-like spice tones, salty soil, a dollop of green olive and a gently smoky topnote. On the palate the wine is full-bdoied, crisp and quite seamless in its balance, with a fine core, impressive complexity and excellent length and grip on the focused and very classy finish. Fine juice.

Memo Summary Notes

Blandy's 10 Year Old Sercial Madeira is the "electric" sibling to the Rainwater style you previously looked at. Sercial is the driest of the four noble Madeira grapes, and this 10-year expression is a benchmark for high-acid, savory fortified wines.

While Rainwater is approachable and medium-dry, the Sercial is "bone dry" and focused, making it a favorite for wine enthusiasts who love high tension and mineral complexity.

Unlike sweeter Madeiras, Sercial should be served well-chilled (10–12°C). This highlights its acidity and makes it incredibly refreshing.

Winemaker Description 

Still family owned, D’Oliveira date back to 1850, working with cellars built in 1619, so they know a fair bit about making madeira.

The wine has an average age of five years, leading to an inviting, nutty, slightly toasty nose, with flavours of grapefruit, lime, hazelnuts, and orange peel.

The high acidity makes the wine taste dry on the palate, with a smooth, long, and memorable finish.