Blandy's, 15 Year Old Malmsey, Madeira, Portugal (500ml)

Brand Overview
The Blandy’s are unique in being the only family of all the original founders of the Madeira wine trade to still own and manage their own original wine company. The family has played a leading role in the development of Madeira wine throughout its long history and in the economic development of this remote Atlantic Island and members of the family continue to live on Madeira, maintaining a tradition that
goes back to 1811.
Blandy’s Madeira remains totally dedicated to the traditions, care, and craftsmanship of Madeira Wine making and has been owned by the same family for 200 years and seven generations.

John Blandy first set foot on Madeira in 1807. In 1989, the Symington family became partners with the Blandy family and is helping to reinvigorate the Madeira trade. Grapes are grown in volcanic soil and hand harvested due to steeply terraced cliffs. The resulting wines are highly acidic and were found by historical accident to benefit from being heated - a process that would destroy any other wine. Originally, Madeiras were heated by the sun, stored in casks on the decks of boats exploring the world during the 18th century. Today, Madeiras are heated in a process called “estufagem,” which gives them great concentration and an incredible capacity to age while retaining some of the vibrant acidity unique to these wines.

VINIFICATION
Blandy's 15yo Malmsey undergoes fermentation off the skins with natural yeast at temperatures between 18°C - 21°C in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Approximately after 48 hours, fortification with grape brandy takes place, arresting fermentation at the desired degree of sweetness.

MATURATION
Blandy’s Malmsey 15 Years Old is a blend of different wines which aged an average of 15 years in seasoned American oak casks at the Blandy’s Wine Lodge in Funchal. The ageing was done in the traditional ‘Canteiro’ system, whereby the wine is gradually transferred from the higher lodges’ attics, where the natural warmth of the sun contributes to the concentration of the wines, and temperatures are higher, to the middle floors, where temperatures are milder, and eventually, to the ground floor where temperatures are cooler. During this ageing, the wine underwent regular racking, and before finally being bottled, all wines are fined. All through the ageing process, the primary fruit flavors of the wine are gently transformed into tertiary dried fruit notes that produce Madeira unique hallmark bouquet.

Grape / Blend
Malmsey

Origin
Madeira, Portugal

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Clear, dark golden brown with very strong legs. Characteristic bouquet with complex dried fruits and wood, toffee and vanilla. Sweet, smooth, full bodied, complex, and a long finish of nuts and dark chocolate.

Blandy’s 15 year old Malmsey is fined and does not require decanting. It is a superb accompaniment to dessert dishes, especially fruit, cakes, rich chocolate puddings and cheeses. It has been bottled when ready for drinking and will keep for several months after opening.

92 Points - Wine Spectator
Very sweet, along with a burnt quality to the molasses, caramel and walnut flavors, this is balanced and powerful, ending with a long aftertaste of burnt caramel. Fine harmony and intensity. Drink now.

Product size: 500ml