Barbeito 5 Years Island Rich Reserva Sweet

Vinhos Barbeito is a well regarded Madeira house, and this Island Rich Reserva is made from Tinta Negra, the workhorse red grape that accounts for most of the island's vineyards, drawn from plots in the Strait of Camara de Lobos and Sao Vicente. The must begins to ferment, then fermentation is arrested by adding 96 percent grape spirit at the precise moment needed to leave the desired natural sweetness in the wine. It is aged five years in French oak casks under the warming, oxidative canteiro conditions of Madeira, which slowly caramelise the sugars and build the cooked, nutty character that defines the style while preserving the island's marked acidity. The colour is golden. The nose is reminiscent of nuts and almonds with caramel and orange peel. The palate is sweet but citric and fresh, with good acidity holding the toffee and dried apricot in check and carrying a smooth, clean finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees in a small glass after a meal. It pairs naturally with nutty desserts and caramel.