Wine & Liqueurmadeira

Malmsey (Malvasia) Madeira

George, Duke of Clarence, allegedly executed in 1478 by drowning in a barrel of Malmsey. D'Oliveiras opens 1800s vintage bottles for tasting regularly; an 1875 Bual was opened in 2015 and described as 'alive, with acidity that could outlast the tasters.' Madeira's immortality is unique in the wine world — bottles from the 1700s remain drinkable.

Flavor Profile

Nearly black. Viscous. Explosive: dark chocolate, molasses, burnt caramel, dried fig, espresso. Very sweet and very complex simultaneously — the acid structure that makes all Madeira durable prevents cloying. Very long finish.

Key Producers

benchmark

Blandy's Malmsey 10 Year

The standard reference; excellent quality

luxury/investment

D'Oliveiras vintage Malmsey

Sells vintages back to 1850; essentially immortal; the Duke of Clarence legend

DOP Madeira; Malmsey (Malvasia) grape grown at lowest altitudes near sea level; sweetest of the four noble Madeira styles; rich, viscous, dessert wine character