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. The Blandys are unique among the original founders of the Madeira wine trade in still owning and managing their own original company today, a tradition spanning seven generations and more than 200 years on the island of Madeira. Rainwater is a medium-dry, pale Madeira made from Tinta Negra grapes grown on terraced vineyards at 300-400m near São Vicente, on volcanic clay soils. Fermentation takes place off the skins with natural yeast at 24-26°C, and the wine is fortified with grape brandy after about four days to arrest fermentation at the desired sweetness. It then undergoes 'estufagem' — a cyclic heating and cooling between 45-50°C over three months — followed by three years' ageing in American oak casks before racking, fining and bottling.

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.