Let's talk little, let's talk wine
Located on the island of Madeira, off the Portuguese Atlantic coast, the Barbeito estate sources Verdelho grapes from steep terraced plots, often planted at high altitudes along the volcanic slopes. The vines benefit from a subtropical climate tempered by the ocean, with moderate temperature fluctuations and constant sea breezes. The poor, well-drained basaltic soils promote limited yields and high aromatic concentration, giving rise to Madeira wines that are taut, saline, and remarkably precise.
This demi-sec Verdelho Madeira from the Barbeito estate is made from hand-harvested Verdelho grapes, carefully selected before pressing. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, interrupted by fortification with grape spirit to retain moderate sweetness. The wine is then aged for a long time using the traditional oxidative aging method in oak barrels, in a canteiro system, allowing for slow maturation under the influence of natural heat, until the final blending of the different lots to achieve the Old Reserve style.
This wine reveals notes of candied citrus, dried fruits, and ripe tropical fruits, complemented by subtle touches of dried flowers, nuances of sweet spices, and a light toasted hazelnut character from oxidative aging. The palate presents a slender yet ample body, supported by a lively acidity that balances the medium-dry sweetness, with a silky texture, fine salinity, and a long, taut, 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 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-proof 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 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 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.