NV Blandy's - Madeira Malmsey 5 Year Old

Blandy's traces back to 1811, when John Blandy, an Englishman, arrived on the island and entered the wine trade. More than two centuries later, the family is still the sole founding house to retain ownership of its original Madeira business, now guided by successive generations who have kept production centered in Funchal. Blandy's cellars sit within the Old Blandy Wine Lodge, a historic complex in the city that also houses one of the world's most extensive collections of aged Madeira. The house is widely regarded as one of the island's defining producers, credited with helping preserve traditional methods through the twentieth century.

This Malmsey is made from Malvasia grapes, hand harvested and fermented off their skins in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks using natural yeast. After roughly two days, grape spirit is added to halt fermentation at the desired sweetness. The wine then ages for at least five years in American oak casks under the canteiro system, moved gradually from the warmer upper floors of the lodge down toward the cooler ground level as it develops.

The wine shows a deep golden brown color with aromas of raisin, toffee, vanilla, and roasted nuts. The palate is sweet and full bodied, with a honeyed richness balanced by bright acidity that keeps the finish from turning cloying. It suits rich desserts such as fruit tarts or chocolate pudding, and also complements foie gras or a firm, aged cheese.