1885 Madère Verdelho Portugal
The 1885 Barbeito Madeira Verdelho is more than just a wine—it’s a piece of history. Its longevity, aromatic intensity, and complexity make for an unforgettable tasting experience. This exceptional wine, reserved for grand occasions, is a true oenological masterpiece, perfect for collectors and connoisseurs of rare and historic wines who seek a unique harmony between richness, elegance, and depth.
Wine estate: Domaine Barbeito
Grape varieties: Verdelho
Region: Madeira, Portugal
Appellation: Madeira
Color: Amber
Format: Bottle 0.75 L
Description
The 1885 Barbeito Madeira Verdelho is an exceptional fortified wine produced on the island of Madeira, off the coast of Portugal. Made from the Verdelho grape, this Madeira is a true treasure of history and winemaking, offering a unique tasting experience. Madeira wines, known for their incredible longevity, can be kept and improved for centuries. This 1885 vintage is a rare example of an extraordinary wine that has stood the test of time while maintaining unparalleled quality and complexity.
Blend
This wine is crafted from the Verdelho grape, one of the principal varieties used in Madeira wines. Verdelho is known for its ability to produce medium-dry wines that perfectly balance freshness, acidity, and aromatic richness. The wine is aged using the traditional Madeira method, involving extended aging in casks under the influence of heat, which imparts oxidative characteristics and complex aromas.
Tasting notes
Color: The wine boasts a deep amber color with golden and slightly green highlights, reflecting its advanced age and long barrel aging.
Nose: The nose is incredibly complex and rich, offering aromas of dried fruits like walnuts and almonds, caramel, honey, as well as notes of sweet spices, tobacco, fine wood, and leather. There are also hints of candied fruits, orange peel, and roasted coffee, contributing to a remarkable depth.
Palate: On the palate, this Madeira is both powerful and elegant. It has a lively acidity that perfectly balances the richness of flavors such as dried fruits, caramel, and fig. The texture is smooth, with flavors of candied fruit, nuts, dark chocolate, and vanilla. The length on the palate is exceptional, with a persistent finish marked by notes of spice, toasted wood, and a saline minerality typical of Madeira wines. This wine showcases a perfect harmony between sweetness and freshness, with an extraordinary concentration of aromas that evolve over time in the glass.
Aging potential
The 1885 Barbeito Madeira Verdelho, already preserved for more than a century, still has considerable aging potential. This type of fortified wine can improve indefinitely when stored under appropriate conditions, offering future generations a unique tasting experience.
Food pairings
Foie gras: Perfect with seared or terrine foie gras, accompanied by figs or dried fruits.
Aged cheeses: Parmesan, Roquefort, Stilton, hard and blue cheeses.
Desserts: Desserts with dried fruits, walnut tart, dark chocolate cake, caramel and fig-based desserts.
Cigars: Ideal for pairing with a fine cigar.