Justinos Medium Rich 5 Years

Justinos Medium Rich 5 Years is made by Justino's Madeira, founded in 1870 and one of the oldest producers on the island, holding one of the largest stocks of aged Madeira. The grape is Tinta Negra, grown on small terraces of volcanic soil rich in basalt, tuff and slag, worked by hand without machinery. After fermentation the wine is fortified with grape spirit, then matured by the estufagem method, where it is held warm in oak for an extended period. This controlled heating gently cooks the wine and exposes it to oxygen, converting alcohol and sugars into the caramel, raisin and baked notes that define Madeira and leaving it almost indestructible once opened. Five years in barrel develops that character while the grape's natural high acidity keeps the sweetness in balance. The colour is deep amber. The nose shows vanilla, raisin and a baked, toffee edge. The palate is sweet and complex, with dried fruit, walnut and caramel carried by bright acidity to a long finish. Serve at 14 to 16 degrees in a small glass. It is good with caramel and chocolate puddings, dried fruit and aged cheese.