NV Blandy's - Madeira Verdelho 10 yr (750ml)

Blandy's has been part of the Madeira wine trade since 1811, when John Blandy first arrived on the island, and the family remains the only one among the trade's original founders still operating its own company today. Now in its seventh generation, the family continues to live on Madeira, and since 1989 has partnered with the Symington family to sustain and expand the island's traditional winemaking practices.

This Verdelho is a blend of wines with an average age of 10 years, sourced from vines grown in Porto Moniz, Santana, and São Vicente on the island's north coast, as well as around Calheta and Funchal to the south. After hand harvesting, the grapes undergo pellicular maceration and a natural yeast fermentation before fortification arrests the process at the desired sweetness. The wine then matures in seasoned oak casks under the traditional canteiro system, gradually moving from the warmer upper floors of the lodge to the cooler ground level.

The result is a clear, golden amber wine with a fragrant nose of dried fruit and spice touched by orange and toasted hazelnut. On the palate it is medium dry and full bodied, its honeyed fruit balanced by bright acidity through a long, spiced finish. Serve chilled as an aperitif or alongside oysters, roasted game, or pâté.