Blandy’s, Malmsey Madeira, Portugal

Tasting Note: Madeira is the way to appropriately end a fine meal or liven up your cocktail life at home.

If you’re a sherry fan, Madeira is your natural next step in your post-dinner, wine elevation.

Medium-intensity tawny in color this 10-year old, fortified wine has an aromatic nose of toast, honey and caramel with a hint of orange citrus.

On the palate the sweet, full-bodied Madeira echoes flavors on the nose along with caramelized sugar.

The wine is smooth, luscious and easily substitutes for dessert.

Just don’t forget to chill before serving so it shows best in your glass over the course of an evening.

Bottle Note: 10-Year Old, Malmsey. Doce, Rich. This Madeira wine has been crafted from the volcanic, sub-tropical Portuguese island of Madeira, located 400 miles off the Northwest African coast. The Blandy’s are unique in being the only family of all the original founders of the Madeira wine trad to still own and manage their wine company, maintaining a tradition that goes back to 1811. The rich-styled Malmsey is the most famous of the Madeira varietals, located mostly today in the region of Sao Jorge on the North of the island. Matured at the Blandy’s Wine Lodges in the center of Funchal, this wine has a marmalade, fig and sugar-scented bouquet with a clear and persistent zingy acidity on the palate. A superb accompaniment to dessert dishes, especially rich chocolate cakes.

This wine was submitted for review.