Blandy's Madeira is one of the world's leading producers of premium quality Madeira wines. For over two centuries, the Blandy family has been perfecting the craft of crafting premium Madeira wines in their vineyards on the island of Madeira. Established in 1811, Blandy's set up a trading house in Funchal and began producing their own wines usng grapes from their estate vineyards.
Today, Michael and Chris Blandy are members of the 6th and 7th generations of the Blandy family and continue to work in the company that is now run by Chris. The company continues to lead the way in re-establishing Madeira as one of the world's great wines.
Madeira wine comes in a variety of styles based on sweetness levels, with dry (Seco) being the driest and crispest tasting style. Other styles include Verdelho, Bual, Malmsey and Sercial. When it comes to enjoying these different styles, it's important to use a port glass to best appreciate them. Dryer styles like Sercial and Verdelho should be served chilled (54°F) whilst medium rich and rich styles should be served slightly chilled (61°F).
Blandy's offers a range of unique Madeiras that capture all that this unique island has to offer – from classic dry styles to intensely sweet flavours. From single grape varieties such as Boal or Malvasia to blended varieties like Colheita Tinta Negra Mole or Malmsey 10 Year Old – there is something for everyone in this range!
For those looking for something special there is also a selection of Vintage Madeiras – dating back over 50 years! These rare vintages are highly sought after and are some of the finest examples available today.
So why not take a trip to Portugal's beautiful Island of Madeira with Blandy's? With their wide range of high quality wines you can sample what makes this wine so special; its unique terroir, its unique production techniques and most importantly its unique taste!
When Is the Best Time to Drink Madeira?
Madeira is a fortified wine that is made on the Portuguese island of the same name. It comes in a variety of styles, making it suitable for different occasions.
Dry styles of Madeira, such as Sercial and Verdelho, are best served chilled with lighter dishes like salads or appetizers. These dry styles have a tangy acidity and mineral character, whch makes them an ideal accompaniment to starters.
For fuller meals like roast beef or fish, you can opt for a medium-dry style such as Bual or Malmsey. These styles have richer fruit flavors that are balanced by higher levels of acidity and sweetness, making them well-suited to accompany heavier dishes.
Finally, sweeter styles such as Moscatel or Malvasia should be enjoyed aftr dinner like a fine Cognac. These sweet wines have intense aromas of dried fruits, nuts and honey that make them an ideal dessert wine.
Who Is the Owner of Blandy's Madeira?
Blandy's Madeira is currently owned by the Blandy family, which dates back to the 18th century when John Blandy arrived in Madeira. The company is currently run by Chris Blandy, a member of the 7th generation of the family. The company has been in continuous operation snce then and is now the world's leading producer of premium quality Madeira wine. It is renowned as one of the oldest and most respected producers of Madeira wines. The winery produces a variety of wines including white, red, rosé, and sparkling styles from grapes from over 15 different vineyards on the island with an emphasis on producing wines that are true to their terroir and style. In addition to producing its own Madeira wines, Blandy's also imports a variety of other Portuguese-style wines from around the world.
What Type of Glass is Best for Serving Madeira Wine?
For an optimal experience, it is recommended that Madeira be enjoyed in a typical port glass. This type of glass is specifically designed to enhance the flavor and aroma of the wine, making it the perfect choice for enjoying Madeira. The port glass has a wide bowl that tapers toards the top and a short stem which helps keep the wine at its ideal temperature. The shape of the glass also helps concentrate the aromas, allowing you to savor all of the flavors that Madeira has to offer. Depending on the style of Madeira, it should be served chilled (54°F) for dry and medium dry styles and slightly chilled (61°F) for medium rich and rich styles. Using a port glass will allow you to fully appreciate all that this unique wine has to offer.
The Driest Madeira Wine
The driest type of Madeira is Seco, or Dry Madeira. This style has the crispest and freshest flavor of all the types, and it has no sweetness or residual sugar. The flavor profile of Dry Madeira is characterized by light citrus tones, nutty aromas, and smoky notes. It pairs well with grilled vegetables, salads, fish dishes, and lighter meats like poultry.
Characteristics of Blandy's Madeira Wine
Blandy's Madeira is a medium sweet style, with a balance of sweetness and acidity that makes it enjoyable to drink. The sweetness comes from the grapes used in the production process and is complemented by a pleasant amount of acidity. This combination gies it a unique flavor that can be savored in many different ways.
Should Wine Be Refrigerated After Opening?
Yes, Madeira wine sould be refrigerated after opening to preserve its flavor and quality. When stored properly, an opened bottle of Madeira can last up to two months in the refrigerator. Keep the bottle tightly sealed and stored upright to prevent oxidation. Make sure you also store it away from other food items so that its flavor and aroma are not affected.
Conclusion
Blandys Madeira is a premium quality fortified wine produced on the Portuguese island of Madeira. It has been made by the Blandy family since 1811 and is considered one of the world's great wines. With a wide range of styles, it can be enjoyed as an aperitif or after-dinner drink. The dry styles are best served chilled, wile the sweeter styles should be served slightly chilled in a port glass. Whatever your preference, Blandys Madeira is sure to please, and its rich history and high quality make it a great addition to any occasion.
