Let's talk little, let's talk wine
Located on the island of Madeira, the vineyard that produces this cuvée comes from the São Jorge plot, on the northern coast of the Portuguese archipelago. The vines are planted on steep terraces, exposed to the fresh oceanic influence and Atlantic winds, on volcanic soils rich in basalt. This unique terroir, characterized by high humidity and moderate temperature swings, allows for a slow maturation of the grapes and gives the wine a natural tension, great aromatic precision, and a very clear expression of its island origin.
The Tinta Negra grapes from the São Jorge plot are harvested by hand, then gently pressed before a controlled fermentation interrupted by mutage with wine spirit, in order to preserve a portion of the natural sugars. The wine is then aged for a long time in canteiro, in used oak barrels, subject to natural temperature variations, which promotes slow oxidation and aromatic concentration. After this traditional aging, the different barrels are blended, lightly filtered, and then bottled.
This wine reveals notes of dried fruits, candied orange peel, fig, and Corinthian raisin, complemented by delicate floral touches, spicy nuances of cinnamon and nutmeg, as well as a finely integrated woody register with accents of walnut and caramel. On the palate, the texture is ample and unctuous, supported by a lively acidity typical of Madeira, a precise balance between sweetness and freshness, and a persistent, slightly saline finish that prolongs the flavors.
Where are we traveling?
Madeira
Madeira is a Portuguese archipelago located in the Atlantic Ocean, 970 km southwest of Lisbon. It gives 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 Ports from the Portuguese mainland, and lacked the structure and stability needed to survive long sea voyages. In time, they discovered that an addition of high-quality spirit solved this problem to such an extent 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 shifting consumer preferences, has caused Madeira’s popularity to decline dramatically and for this historic wine to 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.