BARBEITO Madeira Boal Old Reserve 10 Year Old Reserva Velha NV Bottle 19.2%abv (Medium Sweet)

Description

IN BRIEF
Barbeito Madeira Boal Old Reserve 10 Year Old is an exceptional fortified wine that showcases the rich heritage of Madeira winemaking. Crafted from grapes sourced in Campanário, Estreito da Calheta, and Prazeres, this wine undergoes a meticulous process where fermentation is halted by adding vinic alcohol, then aged for over 10 years in French oak casks using the Canteiro method. It displays a bright gold colour and offers enticing aromas of dried fruits like figs and raisins, alongside notes of caramel and toasted nuts. The palate is rich and full-bodied, balancing sweetness with vibrant acidity, and finishing with lingering notes of nuttiness and spice. With a score of 17 points from Jancis Robinson, it pairs beautifully with desserts and strong cheeses.

ABOUT THIS WINE
Barbeito Madeira Boal Old Reserve 10 Year Old Reserva Velha is an exquisite fortified wine that showcases the rich heritage and time-honoured traditions of Madeira winemaking. Known for its complexity and unique aging process, this Boal (or Bual) varietal is crafted from grapes grown on the volcanic soils of the Madeira island, which contribute to its distinctive character.

This Madeira presents a beautiful amber colour, indicative of its age and the oxidative aging process that enhances its flavour profile. On the nose, it enchants with luscious aromas of dried fruits, predominantly raisins and figs, accompanied by notes of caramel, toffee, and subtle hints of toasted nuts. There's also a warm undertone of spices that adds further depth to the bouquet.

On the palate, Barbeito Boal Old Reserve is rich and full-bodied, offering an exquisite balance of sweetness and acidity. Flavours of honeyed stone fruits, alongside notes of dark chocolate and a touch of citrus zest, create a beautifully layered experience. The long, smooth finish is marked by a slight nuttiness and an enduring complexity that highlights the wine's craftsmanship.

This Madeira is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. It pairs beautifully with rich desserts, such as chocolate tarts or crème brûlée, and complements strong cheeses, making it a delightful choice for both sweet and savoury pairings.

Barbeito Madeira Boal Old Reserve 10 Year Old Reserva Velha is a testament to the artistry of Madeira winemaking, embodying the island's unique traditions and commitment to quality. Whether sipped on its own or as part of a culinary experience, this wine promises to offer a sumptuous and memorable tasting journey.

JANCIS ROBINSON 17 points
Medium sweet. Grapes from various quality vineyards in Campana´rio, Estreito da Calheta and Prazeres. Grapes were pressed in a continuous press. Aged canteiro method in French oak casks. TA 6.59 g/l, pH 3.47, RS 90 g/l.
Smells of homemade taffy, toffee apple. Smells so good I want to climb into it right away, bury myself in it, close the door on the world. So many layers in this: layers of richness, of spice, of texture so fine there is no grain, of shiny acidity, of coiled-spring energy. Golden apple; golden sultanas; butter biscuits and ginger snaps; apple and ginger cream drizzled with syrup. Cooked banana. Lots of spice. The spices of dried grass and warm-earth-meadow-hay; the spices of baking; the spices of orange pekoe tea leaf. Power and grace, and, despite all that residual sugar, a wine that finishes dry and ineffably elegant. (TC)

THE WINE ADVOCATE 88 points
Reviewed by: Neal Martin
The Sercial 10-Year-Old Reserve is sourced from vineyards around Jardim da Serra and Ribeira da Janela and aged in French casks for ten to fourteen years. It has a wonderful smoked walnut-scented bouquet that is suffused great personality and delineation. The palate is crisp and poised on the entry, those raucous nutty notes interwoven from start to finish like a Meursault on steroids. This is a sublime, uninhibited Sercial to revel in.

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ABOUT THIS PRODUCER
Barbeito Madeira is a renowned winery located on the beautiful island of Madeira, Portugal, famous for its exceptional fortified wines. Founded in 1948 by the Barbeito family, the estate has a rich heritage and is celebrated for its commitment to quality, innovation, and the preservation of traditional winemaking techniques specific to the unique microclimate of Madeira.

The vineyards of Barbeito are situated on steep slopes across the island, where volcanic soils and a warm oceanic climate create ideal conditions for cultivating indigenous grape varieties. The estate primarily focuses on traditional Madeira varietals such as Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malvasia, each contributing distinct characteristics to the wines produced. Barbeito is particularly noted for its meticulous attention to detail in vineyard management, ensuring that grapes are harvested at their optimal ripeness for the production of high-quality wines.

Barbeito Madeira is celebrated for its range of fortified wines, which are known for their complexity, depth, and remarkable ability to age. The winemaking process includes the artisanal technique of “estufagem," where the wine is gently heated to develop its characteristic flavors and aromas. The result is a portfolio of wines with rich profiles, ranging from dry and crisp to luscious and sweet, appealing to a diverse array of palates.

Among Barbeito’s notable offerings are its age-stated Madeiras, which showcase the estate's commitment to quality and craftsmanship. These wines are marked by intricate layers of dried fruit, nuts, and subtle spice, often complemented by refreshing acidity that balances their richness. Barbeito Madeira has received numerous awards and accolades, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the production of fine Madeira wines.

As Barbeito continues to innovate and expand its range, it remains dedicated to honoring the island's winemaking heritage while also pushing the boundaries of traditional practices. Each bottle encapsulates a story of craftsmanship, passion, and the unique terroir of Madeira, inviting wine lovers to explore the enchanting flavors and history of this remarkable island. Whether enjoyed as an aperitif, paired with dessert, or savored on its own, wines from Barbeito Madeira celebrate the artistry and tradition of one of the world's most distinctive winemaking regions.