Wine & Liqueurmadeira
Bual (Boal) Madeira
The altitude-to-sweetness gradient: Bual at 200–400m is warmer than Verdelho and Sercial, producing more sugar. The Duke of Clarence was reportedly executed in 1478 by drowning in a barrel of Malmsey — a note that applies to the sweet Madeira category broadly.
Flavor Profile
Medium-sweet. Dark amber. Dried apricot, raisin, molasses, coffee, burnt orange. Enough sweetness to pair with dessert, enough acidity to prevent cloying.
Key Producers
Standard
Cossart Gordon Bual 10 Year
Good distribution; reliable quality
benchmark
Blandy's Bual 10 Year
The standard reference for Bual
DOP Madeira; Bual grape grown at lower altitudes (200–400m); medium-sweet style; the 'dinner Madeira' serving slot between dry aperitif and dessert wine