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Blandy's Malmsey Harvest is selected from some of the finest Malmsey wines from a single year and then aged in oaks. These wines underwent the natural "canteiro" warming process in the lofts of the old Blandy Wine Lodge. The warming was exclusively from the natural temperatures of the sub-tropical climate on Madeira. No artificial heating was used. After 5 years the wines are removed to the cooler lodges on the ground floor of the lodge where they continue their slow maturation until finally being bottled.
Blandy's Malmsey Harvest is an excellent accompaniment to rich desserts and cheese. This is a full bodied wine with a superb balance between the natural acidity of Madeira wines and the richness of the malmsey grape variety.
Best served slightly below room temperature.
GRAPE VARIETIES
Malmsey
VINEYARDS
Various quality vineyards grown at about 200m on the north of the island near Arco de São Jorge.
VINIFICATION
Blandy's Harvest underwent fermentation off the skins with natural yeast at temperatures between 18°C - 21°C in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks.
After approximately 48 hours, fortification with grape brandy takes place, arresting fermentation at the desired degree of sweetness.
MATURATION
Blandy’s 1999 Harvest Malmsey was aged in seasoned American oak casks in the traditional ‘Canteiro’ system, whereby the wine is gently heated by warm air in the lofts of the company’s south-facing lodge in Funchal.
Over the years the casks are transferred from the top floor to the middle floor and eventually to the ground floor where it is cooler.
The wine is regularly racked during the ageing process and is finally bottled when the desired balance of maturity is reached.
SPECIFICATION
Alcohol : 19%
ABV pH : 3.45
Baumé degree (20ºC) : 5.0
Volatile Acidity : 0.42 g/l
SERVING & CELLARAGE
Blandy's Harvest is fined and does not require decanting.
It is an excellent accompaniment to rich desserts and cheese.
It has been bottled when ready for drinking and will keep for several months after opening.
AWARDS
Bronze Medal, IWC 2006
Tasting Notes
Dark amber colour with golden green reflections.
Characteristic bouquet of Madeira with dried fruits, vanilla and wood.
Rich and full bodied with notes of tea, toffee, spices and chocolate.
Sweet and smooth on the palate, with a honeyed aftertaste.
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