NV Broadbent - Madeira Verdelho 10 yr

Bartholomew Broadbent founded Broadbent Selections in 1996, drawing on the legacy of his father, the celebrated wine critic Michael Broadbent, who considered Madeira his desert island wine. After a decade running Premium Port Wines for the Symington family, Bartholomew struck out on his own, launching his Madeira line by acquiring barrels of wine dating back to 1933. His Madeiras are produced in partnership with Justino's, one of the island's largest and most established houses, which carries out the actual winemaking under Broadbent's direction.

Verdelho grapes for this bottling are grown across the island's varied terraces, typically ripening with a touch more sweetness than Sercial while still retaining brisk acidity. After fermentation and fortification with grape spirit, the wine ages for ten years using the Canteiro method, in which the natural warmth rising through the upper floors of the aging lodge slowly cooks and concentrates the wine over time.

The wine shows a deep amber color and an inviting bouquet of cherries, orange rind, cardamom, and honey cake. The palate is full bodied and satiny, carrying ripe citrus and toasted nut flavors alongside a racy, mineral-tinged acidity that lifts a touch of natural sweetness through the finish. It pairs beautifully with seafood bisque or potato leek soup, and also complements gravlax or lightly smoked cheeses.