NV H.M. Borges - Madeira Dry 5 Year Old

H.M. Borges is one of only two remaining family-owned Madeira houses on the island, founded in Funchal in 1877 by Henrique Menezes Borges and today overseen by cousins Isabel and Helena Borges. The estate has stayed committed to traditional methods even as much of the industry has modernized, aging its wines slowly in small barrels rather than relying on the faster, artificially heated process used by many larger producers.

This dry style is made entirely from Tinta Negra, aged a minimum of five years and carrying a relatively low residual sugar of around 19 grams per liter, fortified to just over 18 percent alcohol. Because it favors freshness and restraint over sweetness, this bottling is traditionally served lightly chilled, more in the spirit of a crisp aperitif wine than a dessert style.

The color is a warm amber, and the aroma is woody and complex, with a distinct, harmonious character that carries through to a full, mouth-filling palate. Dry and clean on the finish, it makes an excellent chilled aperitif, especially alongside olives, cured meats, or a savory tapas spread.