
Madeira is an island in Portugal that is in the Atlantic Ocean. The region has been making Madeira fortified wine since the 15th century and the early days of exploration. The island was a port of call for ships that were heading to the East Indies, or the New World.
Madeira wines were taken on board and added to existing wine barrels in order to improve the quality during the long voyages at sea. The heat in the ship's hold dramatically improved the wine, and made it richer and more complex. This was actually discovered when an unsold shipment of wine came back to Madeira after a round trip and was even better upon its return.
The climate on the islands is oceanic with tropical influences and produces four types of grapes. The average temperature is 66°. The landscape is volcanic and mountainous and is quite difficult to cultivate. Vineyards are planted on red and basaltic bedrock man-made terraces that are called poios. Mechanical harvesting is almost impossible making cultivation costly on the island. Unfortunately, because of tourism, many vineyards have been ripped up to make way for commercial resorts, as the tourist trade is much more lucrative than wine making.
Carmo Vinhos Madeira Malmsey 10 Yr is richest style of Madeira. With a deep amber color, this intense wine has a complex flavor of walnuts, dried fruits, coffee and caramel. Full body hiding the acidity and a very long finish. An excellent accompaniment to coffee.
Carmo Vinhos Madeira Sercial 10 Yr is the driest style of Madeira, a light bodied wine with a distinctive nutty nose. An excellent apertif. The concentration at this age has produced a very attractive and interesting wine, with a long finish.
Carmo Vinhos Madeira Verdejo 10 Yr an amber medium dry wine with medium body and acidity. Rich aroma and flavor of dried fruits, nuts and caramel, showing a vibrant character, lengthy and well balanced. An excellent aperitif or as an accompaniment to pates.
“1752” is the name of the Damilano Barolo Cannubi Riserva, in honor of the year in which the historic bottle was first marked “Cannubi”. It still exists today perfectly conserved by the Manzone family in Bra, close to Barolo. The bottle is clearly marked as being of “1752” vintage, indicating that Cannubi historically precedes Barolo.
About the Vineyard:
The Cannubi Cru is in found within one of the 6 core zones which comprise a UNESCO heritage site in Italy. A mixture of Tortonian and Helvetian calcareous marl gives the grapes intense aromas of cherry, plum and tobacco, rose and violet in sequence. Its low potassium and high calcium/magnesium content offer the wine a fine and polished touch. The vineyard is located at about 270 m. a.s.l. and has a south-east sun exposure. Barolo Riserva Cannubi 1752 It is a small plot of about 2 hectares of Nebbiolo vines, currently between 30 and 50 years of age.
Tasting Notes:
Garnet ruby red in color, the bouquet is intense and balanced, with notes of violet, red fruit, cherry and plum, spices, liquorice, cocoa, leather and tobacco. Dry, robust, full-bodied, very persistent, rich and velvety
Food Pairing:
This wine is excellent with typical piedmontes pasta (tajarin, ravioli); perfect with red meat, braised and roast meat, game and absolutely ideal with all types of cheeses.
Review:
Boussey Bourgogne Blanc Cote d'Or Vieilles Vignes is made from 100 percent Chardonnay.
The grapes for Bourgogne Blanc Chardonnay Vieilles Vignes are grown on a parcel located within the city of Meursault.
The wine displays a refreshing nose of lime, citrus fruits, flint, honey and a touch of dried fruit. The palate is full of flavors, with honeysuckle, citrus and some salinity with an excellent balance between acidity and roundness.
Pair with cheese, seafood, nems, Spanish tapas and apple tart.