The Niepoort Barbeito Madeira os Mestres Reserva Especial Meio Seco is not an everyday product, as blended Madeira is rather rare. But when Dirk visited Ricardo's cellar, the two tried various barrels and the decision to mix different grape varieties and degrees of maturity was made very quickly. The acidity of the Sercial, the fullness of the Verdelho and the structure of the Tinta Negra combined with top-aged barrels make this Madeira so special. The base wines of the Madeira have all been in Barbeito's cellar for at least 10 years and come from top-quality vineyards. In the end, only 1,200 half-liter bottles were released onto the market - so grab it while there's still some left.

The Madeira os Mestres from Vinhos Barbeito & Niepoort has a fine caramel color in the glass. It smells of fully ripe, resinous mango, of pickled fruit, it has floral notes, but also wood spice and of course the ripening aromas typical of Madeira. On the palate, the distinctive acidity puffs off the residual sugar in a remarkable way. The long aftertaste is carried by a wonderful mixture of spice and fruit. The Madeira os Mestres Reserva Especial should be enjoyed not too warm as an aperitif or as a sundowner with a few nuts and a good book.

Sercial, Tinta Negra, and Verdelho

Portugal, Madeira

19.50%