NV Rare Wine Co. (Vinhos Barbeito) - Madeira Charleston Sercial

Charleston Sercial was one of the original three wines released in 2003 when The Rare Wine Co. first brought its Historic Series to market, alongside New York Malmsey and Boston Bual. It celebrates the refined, delicate Madeiras favored by Charleston's own connoisseurs two centuries ago, when the city was one of America's great Madeira-drinking ports. The wine has since earned a reputation well beyond its origins, famously served alongside a wild boar dish at a major New York wine event and cited by food writers as an ideal match for chestnut soup.

Sercial is Madeira's latest-ripening noble grape, typically harvested as late as early November to preserve the high natural acidity that defines the variety. Fermentation is halted near dryness using neutral grape spirit, and the resulting wine is blended by Barbeito to capture the driest, most austere style in the entire Historic Series.

The nose offers nutty aromas laced with honey, caramel, and maple syrup, along with orange oil, dried white flowers, and nutmeg. The palate is medium to full-bodied and satiny, with dried fig and candied citrus carried by racy, balanced acidity through a long, off-dry finish. It pairs well with savory game, aged hard cheese, or a warm chestnut soup.