Let's talk little, let's talk wine
Located on the island of Madeira, off the Atlantic coast of Portugal, the Barbeito estate crafts its Malvasia cuvée from vines planted primarily on the steep slopes of the south coast, around Câmara de Lobos, Estreito de Câmara de Lobos, and Funchal. The plots, often terraced and supported by basalt walls, benefit from a subtropical climate tempered by the ocean and a strong maritime influence. The volcanic, poor, and well-drained soils promote moderate yields and a high aromatic concentration in this traditional Madeiran grape variety.
The Malvasia grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, then slowly fermented under temperature control. Fermentation is stopped by mutage with wine spirit to retain a natural richness in sugars. The wine is then aged for a long time in oak barrels using the traditional Madeira method, with prolonged oxidative aging in a canteiro system, allowing for progressive aromatic concentration and great complexity, before final blending and bottling.
This wine reveals notes of dried fruits, candied fig, and orange zest, mingled with delicate floral touches, spicy nuances of cinnamon and nutmeg, as well as woody accents reminiscent of caramel, toffee, and vanilla. On the palate, the liqueur is dense and unctuous, supported by a lively acidity that balances the sweetness, with great aromatic persistence and a long, warm, and mouth-watering 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 places in wine history. Early Madeira wines were produced in the image of the Ports of mainland Portugal, and lacked the structure and stability necessary to survive long sea voyages. In time, they discovered that an addition of high-quality spirit 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 the increasingly competitive global wine markets. This high cost, coupled with changing consumer preferences, has led to a dramatic decline in Madeira's popularity and to concerns that this historic wine may one day disappear.
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.