Let's talk little, let's talk wine
Located on the island of Madeira, off the Portuguese Atlantic coast, the Barbeito estate sources its Malvasia Old Reserve from terraced vineyards overlooking the ocean, mainly around Câmara de Lobos and São Jorge. These plots, often very steep, rest on volcanic soils rich in basalt and benefit from a subtropical climate tempered by sea winds. The moderate altitude and oceanic influence favor a slow ripening of the Malvasia grapes, preserving a lively acidity that naturally balances the richness of the wine.
The Malvasia grapes are harvested at optimal ripeness, then gently pressed before fermentation is interrupted by fortification with wine alcohol to retain a richness in residual sugars. The wine is then aged for a long time in oak barrels according to the traditional Madeira method, in a canteiro system, with prolonged oxidative aging in old barrels, allowing it to develop aromatic complexity, a balance between sweetness and freshness, and great persistence on the palate.
This wine reveals notes of dried fruits, candied fig, and orange zest, complemented by floral nuances reminiscent of orange blossom, spicy touches of cinnamon and nutmeg, as well as delicate woody and caramel accents. On the palate, the liqueur is full and unctuous, carried by a lively acidity that prolongs the tasting, with a velvety texture, great aromatic persistence, and a long, slightly saline and refreshing 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 likeness of the Ports of 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 alcohol resolved 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 evolving consumer preferences, has led to a dramatic decline in Madeira's popularity and to the possibility 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.