Justinos Medium Rich 3 Years

Justinos Medium Rich 3 Years is made by Justino's Madeira, a producer rooted in the Henriques family's winemaking since 1870 and incorporated as a company in 1953. It is one of the oldest exporters on the island and holds significant reserves of aged wine. The grape is Tinta Negra, grown on terraces of volcanic basalt and tuff that retain the day's heat and lend a mineral edge. After fermentation the wine is fortified with grape spirit, which leaves natural sugar and raises the strength, then aged for three years by the estufagem method, where the wine is kept warm in cask. This controlled heat and slow exposure to oxygen develop the caramel and dried fruit character of Madeira, while the grape's high natural acidity keeps the sweetness fresh and lively. The colour is amber. The nose offers undergrowth, caramel and a savoury, earthy edge. The palate shows balanced sweetness lifted by acidity, with raisin and a medium long finish. Serve lightly chilled at 14 to 16 degrees in a small glass. It is a fine match for caramel puddings, fruit cake and hard cheese.