Let's talk little, let's talk wine
From the Barbeito winery, located on the island of Madeira off the Portuguese Atlantic coast, Vinho do Reitor comes from terraced vineyards planted on volcanic soils rich in basalt. These steep plots, often situated near the island's south coast, benefit from a subtropical climate tempered by the ocean, with constant sea breezes and high humidity. The vines, mostly trained in the traditional pergola system, derive great natural freshness and aromatic complexity characteristic of great Madeira wines from this unique terroir.
This Madeira from the Barbeito estate is made from a selection of very old wines, vinified according to local tradition: the musts are fermented in tanks before fortification with wine spirit, in order to retain some of the natural sugars. The aging then takes place for very long years in oak barrels, according to the canteiro principle, with slow oxidative aging in temperate cellars and a final blending of different barrels to achieve the complex and harmonious profile sought.
This wine reveals notes of dried fruits, candied orange peel and fig, complemented by delicate floral touches and spicy nuances reminiscent of cinnamon and nutmeg. Woody and slightly toasted accents mingle with an iodine and saline dimension typical of Madeira. On the palate, the texture is ample and velvety, carried by a lively acidity that balances the sweetness, with great aromatic persistence and a long and harmonious 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 greatest fortified wines in the world: Madeira. Both the wine and the island occupy unique places in wine history. The first Madeira wines were produced in the likeness of Ports from the Portuguese mainland, and lacked the structure and stability needed to survive long voyages at sea. In time, it was discovered that an addition of high-proof alcohol solved this problem to the point that by the mid-18th century, this fortification became standard for all Madeiras. The cost to make 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 considerable disadvantage in increasingly competitive global wine markets. This high cost, coupled with shifting consumer preferences, has led to a dramatic decline in Madeira’s popularity and the potential disappearance of this historic wine 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.