Blandy's Rainwater Medium Dry Madeira NV

Profile & Story

Blandy's was founded in 1811 by John Blandy together with his brothers Thomas and George, and the Blandys remain unique among the original founders of the Madeira wine trade in still owning and managing their original company today, seven generations on. Rainwater is a medium-dry, pale Madeira made from Tinta Negra grown on terraced vineyards at 300-400m near Sao Vicente on volcanic clay soils. Fermentation takes place off the skins with natural yeast at 24-26C, with fortification by grape brandy after about four days to arrest fermentation at the desired sweetness, followed by three months of estufagem at 45-50C and three years' ageing in American oak casks.

Pairing Recommendation

Delicious served chilled before meals as an aperitif, and also goes well with dessert; it is fined and does not require decanting, and will keep for several months once opened.