Madeira is very distinctive and the heating of the wine during the ageing process is unique. Today, Madeira wine can be produced from six grape varieties: Tinta Negra, Serial, Verdehlo, Terantez, Bual, and Malvasia. Irrigation is provided by an ancient system of canals called ‘levadas’ that brings water from the mountains down to the agricultural plots, and to the ocean. In the latter years, many vineyards have been reconverted to modern espalier conduction, which improves the maturation of the grapes, due to increased sun exposure. The vines are thus cultivated in pergola or ‘latada’, so as to increase the air circulation. Draughts result from winds coming from Africa and fungal diseases appear along with the subtropical climate. The terroir of Madeira is quite complex, as is the climate. They know precisely how to cultivate them and throughout the year they are assisted by the Blandy’s viticultural team of technicians. They respect their plots planted in small terraces known as ‘poios’ on fertile volcanic soils, and often perched at an altitude of 800 meters. Therefore, the vast majority of the grapes are purchased from more than 400 winegrowers, whose vineyards are generally minuscule. Blandy’s vineyard holdings consist of a mere 8 hectares planted with Terrantez. He is assisted by winemaker Francisco Albuquerque, who is bringing a more scientific approach to producing the Madeira, as well as its maturation.īoth Chris and Francisco are firm believers that farming the vineyards and tending the vines are of the utmost importance. Today, Chris Blandy, an agronomist who worked with Symington in the Douro, represents the 7 th generation to manage the company. Today, the Wine Lodges have remained unchanged, and although not very practical logistically, the perfect temperature and hygrometry levels make it the ideal place to age the wines. John Blandy´s son Charles Blandy bought ‘The Blandy Wine Lodges’ in Funchal in 1840, adjoining a monastery and where he established his cellar. Simultaneously, he started the production of Madeira, a unique fortified wine which was already popular in the United States and the United Kingdom. Three years later, he founded his own business as a wine shipper and general trader with his brothers Thomas and George. He suffered from chest pains and wanted to enjoy the privileged climate of the island. In 1808, John Blandy, an English banker decided to go into exile in Madeira.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |