Justinos Boal 10 Years

Justino's Madeira, founded in 1870 and one of the oldest houses on the island, makes this ten year old wine from the Boal grape under DOP Madeira. Madeira's volcanic basalt soils and humid subtropical Atlantic climate give a high-acid base wine, which is fortified and then aged by the estufagem and canteiro methods that define the island. Boal is one of the noble varieties and sits at the medium-sweet end of the range. The wine is heated slowly over years in cask under the warm roof of the lodge, a controlled cooking and oxidation that caramelises the sugars and builds the burnt, nutty character Madeira is known for. Ten years of this ageing gives concentration without losing the bright acidity that keeps the wine balanced. The colour is deep amber-brown. The nose leads with dark chocolate, molasses and caramel. The palate is rich and rounded, with dried apricot, walnut, toffee and warm spice, while a streak of acidity cuts the sweetness and drives a long, persistent finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees in a small glass. It suits walnut cake, chocolate puddings and hard cheese.