Barbeito 3 Years Dry

Barbeito 3 Years Dry is a fortified Madeira produced by Vinhos Barbeito, founded in 1964 and one of the island's most distinctive houses, now run by winemaker Ricardo Freitas. It is made from Tinta Negra grown on the steep volcanic terraces of Madeira, where the Atlantic climate and basaltic soils give the high natural acidity that underpins every wine on the island. Here the fortification is added earlier in fermentation so that less sugar remains, producing a dry style. The wine then undergoes estufagem, the controlled warming that defines Madeira, followed by three years in oak. This heat ageing builds the nutty, caramelised character through gentle oxidation while the acidity keeps the palate taut and fresh. The colour is amber. The nose offers caramelised fruit, figs and a confected sweetness that reads as aroma rather than sugar. The palate is fresh and light, round and balanced, ending soft and dry with a savoury, nutty edge. Serve chilled at 12 to 14C in a small glass. It makes an excellent aperitif and partners nutty hard cheeses, roasted roots and mushroom dishes.