D'Oliveiras, Terrantez, Madeira, Portugal, 1977

About The Producer
D’Oliveira is one of the greatest of the classic Madeira shippers, and one of the few to survive from the pre-phylloxera era. With origins as far back as 1820, and today housed in cellars that date from 1619, this highly important company is still owned by the same family, who were once highly important growers in the parish of São Martinho.

Its stocks of old wines have grown over time, either through marriage with other wine-producing families, or by the purchase of other old firms. But the foundation for its unparalleled library of ancient vintages was laid more than 150 years ago in the legendary São Martinho vineyards of João Pereira D'Oliveira, the great grandfather of the current managing director, Luis D’Oliveira.

João Pereira was particularly well known for his Verdelhos, building on São Martinho’s reputation for this noble grape. The village’s Verdelhos have long enjoyed a high reputation; in 1896, the New York Madeira merchant Charles Bellows singled out São Martinho Verdelhos from the others on the island for their “wonderful perfume.”

Ancient Wines - Today, no other company on the island can boast such a wealth of great old Madeiras. These include five monumental Verdelhos from the family’s own São Martinho vineyards, vintaged in 1850, 1890, 1900, 1905 and 1912. There are no finer examples of mature Verdelho in existence today.

Digging into the D’Oliveira’s library, we can also find profound Malvasias (aka Malmseys) from 1875, 1895, 1900, 1901 and 1907; Buals from 1903 and 1908, and Sercials from 1862, 1875, 1928 and 1937.

The family also boasts superb examples of two very rare grape varieties: Terrantez (1880) and Moscatel (1875 and 1900).

And thanks to a recent change in the island’s wine laws, it is now possible for D’Oliveira to offer for sale Tinta Negras from 1929, at three levels of sweetness: dry, medium sweet and sweet. Like D’Oliveira’s other old frasqueiras, these wines are truly profound.

Grape / Blend
Terrantez

Origin
Madeira, Portugal

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
Terrantez is one of the rarest grapes, saved from the brink of extinction and Terrantez Madeira wines are not so easy to find.

Bouquet of almonds, mandarin and predominant citrusy freshness. On the palate, seductive notes of acacia flowers, walnuts, orange zest, ginger, tangerine. A long and very refreshing end. A lot of depth.

97 Points - Tim Atkin

Product size: 750ml