NV Blandy's - Madeira Sercial 10 Year Old (500ml)

Blandy's traces its history back to 1811, when John Blandy first arrived on the island of Madeira, and the family remains the only one among the original founders of the Madeira wine trade still running its own company today. Seven generations later, Blandy's continues to oversee production from its historic lodge in Funchal, having partnered with the Symington family in 1989 to help preserve and expand traditional Madeira winemaking on the island.

This 10 Year Old Sercial is crafted entirely from Sercial grapes, the variety associated with the driest and most crisp style among Madeira's four classic wines. Grapes are hand harvested from steep, terraced vineyards on volcanic soil, a necessity given the island's dramatic terrain. After fermentation, the wine ages in seasoned American oak casks using the traditional canteiro method, in which barrels are gradually moved through the lodge from warmer upper floors to cooler ground floors, concentrating flavor over time.

The finished wine pours a pale topaz with golden highlights and shows aromas of citrus peel, toasted hazelnut, and a touch of spice. On the palate, bright acidity cuts through notes of dried fruit and wood, finishing long, nutty, and bone dry. Serve well chilled as an aperitif or alongside sushi, salted almonds, or aged hard cheeses.