Let's talk little, let's talk wine
Barbeito's Boal Old Reserve comes from the island of Madeira, a volcanic territory in the North Atlantic belonging to Portugal, where vines are cultivated on steep terraces overlooking the ocean. Boal grapes are harvested from various plots located mainly on the island's south coast, benefiting from a subtropical climate tempered by sea winds. The poor volcanic soils, combined with strong oceanic influence, promote slow maturation and preserved acidity, ideal conditions for the production of fortified wines with distinctive character.
Made from the Boal grape variety, this semi-sweet Madeira from the Barbeito estate comes from manual harvests, with grapes carefully sorted before pressing. After partial fermentation interrupted by fortification with neutral grape spirit, the wine is aged for a long time in oak barrels using the traditional method of slow oxidation, in a canteiro system, in the estate's cellars. This prolonged aging in small wooden containers, under the gradual influence of ambient heat, refines the texture, concentrates the aromas, and balances the natural sweetness of the Boal.
This wine reveals notes of dried fruits, fig, and candied orange, complemented by nuances of honey and dried flowers. Spicy touches of cinnamon and clove mingle with a more woody register evoking caramel and nut. On the palate, the liqueur is full and sweet, supported by a lively acidity that balances the sweetness, with a silky texture and a long, slightly saline, and persistent finish.
Where are we traveling?
Madeira
Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, 970 km southwest of Lisbon. It lends its name to one of the world's great fortified wines: Madeira. Both the wine and the island occupy unique positions in wine history. Early Madeira wines were made in the style of ports from mainland Portugal, and lacked the structure and stability to survive long sea voyages. In time, it was discovered that an addition of high-quality alcohol solved this problem to the point that by the mid-18th century, this fortification became standard for all Madeiras. The cost of producing the wine is very high, due to the island's remoteness and rugged terrain, combined with small-scale production and a long aging process. This puts it at a significant disadvantage in increasingly competitive global wine markets. This high cost, coupled with changing consumer preferences, has led to a dramatic decline in Madeira's popularity and for this historic wine to eventually disappear one day.
The little history of the country
Portugal
Portugal's rich history is inextricably linked to its wines, especially its most famous, Port. From the ancient cities of Lisbon and Porto to small medieval towns and Roman ruins, the past is still very much alive in modern Portugal. A wonderful holiday in the heart of this country, where Port wines originated, is a unique way to experience Old World culture, the climate, the beautiful countryside, and of course, the delicious wines. Although the history of wine in Portugal dates back to the Romans, it wasn't until the early 19th century that the wine we know today as Port came into being. Portuguese table wine had already been in high demand since the mid-17th century, primarily by the British. To make rustic Portuguese wines more stable and palatable, small amounts of brandy were added to the wine barrels before shipping. Eventually, British companies began investing in the region and perfected the process of adding brandy during fermentation, rather than after, which helped preserve the distinctive fruity flavors of the red wine that were unique to Portugal's Douro Valley. In recent years, a small revolution has taken place in the Douro region in terms of developing modern-style dry red and white wines, alongside the very traditional production of Port wines. Table wines also continue to play an important role. Increased investment, improved winemaking techniques, and the modernization of the industry are yielding interesting results. What is unique to Portugal is the very large number (over 500) of indigenous grape varieties (though some are unpronounceable). Even most wine experts are unfamiliar with the grapes that produce Port, Madeira, or any other Portuguese wine. Like its neighbor Spain, Portugal has been experiencing a quiet revolution for the past two decades. The reluctance to follow trends and plant international grape varieties is now bearing fruit, and the new breed of wines, brimming with terroir and fruit, is more than capable of competing on the world stage. The unique flavors that characterize Portugal's indigenous grape varieties have become its strength. This is good news for those seeking a change from the ubiquitous international grape-based wines. The terroir is so diverse. From north to south, east to west, from mountainous to coastal vineyards, hot and dry or cool and green. In every style, from vinho verde to port, from crisp, dry whites to elegant reds, in so many different ways, Portuguese wines are unique.