Barbeito 5 Years Rainwater Reserva Medium Dry

Barbeito works on the volcanic Atlantic island of Madeira, sourcing this Rainwater Reserva from Tinta Negra and Verdelho grown on terraces around Câmara de Lobos and Prazeres. The grapes are crushed in a pneumatic press and the must ferments until wine alcohol is added to arrest it at the chosen point, fixing the medium-dry balance. What defines Madeira is the heat ageing that follows: the fortified wine is gently warmed over several years, a controlled cooking process that caramelises sugars and builds the cooked-fruit, nutty character unique to the island. Five years in French oak rounds the wine and adds a toasted edge. Rainwater is a traditional lighter, paler Madeira style, softer and more delicate than the richer bottlings. It pours golden and aromatic, with caramel, almond, candied fruit and a hint of orange. The palate is medium-dry and full, with toasted nuts, dried apricot and Madeira's signature bright acidity cutting through to keep the finish clean. Serve lightly chilled in a small glass.