BARBEITO Madeira Sercial Old Reserve 10 Year Old Reserva Velha NV Bottle (Medium Dry)

Description

IN BRIEF
The NV Barbeito Sercial 10 Years Old Reserve is a remarkable representation of authentic Madeira, praised for its consistency and quality. Regularly winning gold medals, it is best served between larder and room temperature to fully appreciate its complexities. Tom Canavan awarded it 90 points, highlighting its deep burnished gold hue, oxidized notes of bruised fruit, and nutty character. On the palate, it offers a rich texture with initial sweetness, transitioning into dry, Fino-like nuttiness, accompanied by refreshing lemon rind and crisp acidity. The Wine Advocate rated it 88 points, noting its smoked walnut bouquet and vibrant palate. This multi-layered Sercial embodies elegance and complexity, making it ideal as an aperitif or paired with seafood and rich desserts.

ABOUT THIS WINE
Barbeito Madeira Sercial Old Reserve 10 Year Old Reserva Velha is a remarkable fortified wine that showcases the elegance and complexity of the Sercial grape, one of Madeira's key varietals. This exceptional wine represents the mastery of Barbeito, a producer known for its dedication to quality and authenticity in winemaking.

The Sercial Old Reserve is characterised by its lovely pale gold colour, a reflection of its extensive aging process. On the nose, it presents an aromatic profile filled with bright citrus notes, including lemon and orange, intertwined with aromas of green apple and subtle hints of almond and hazelnut. The age of this wine also reveals complex undertones of toffee and a touch of minerality, enhancing its overall sophistication.

On the palate, Barbeito Sercial 10 Year Old is crisp and refreshing, boasting a vibrant acidity that perfectly balances its inherent sweetness. The wine unfolds with rich flavours of citrus fruits, complemented by intricate notes of dried fruits and a light nuttiness. The finish is long and precise, leaving a lasting impression of brightness and elegance.

This Madeira is versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways. It serves beautifully as an aperitif, inspiring delightful conversations and appetites alike. It also pairs exceptionally well with a variety of dishes, including seafood, light salads, and creamy cheeses, as well as rich desserts like tarts and pastries.

Barbeito Madeira Sercial Old Reserve 10 Year Old Reserva Velha is a stunning representation of the skills and traditions behind Madeira winemaking. Its balance of freshness, complexity, and character makes it a truly indulgent experience for those who appreciate refined wines. Whether enjoyed on a special occasion or savoured during a quiet evening, this wine promises to enchant and reward with each sip.

TOM CANAVAN 90 points
Deep burnished gold, hinting at tawny. Oxidised notes of bruised fruit and a nutty character. Delicate yeasty notes. On the palate quite richly textured, with a sweetness at first, but soon overtaken by dry, Fino-like nuttiness and plenty of lemon rind waxiness and crisp, clean, white fruit and citrus acidity. This has a multi-layered complexity, and the 50g/l of residual sugar is mind-boggling given the searing dryness of the finish.

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.

-----

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.