Justino's Madeira Terrantez Old Reserve 50 Years old
€ 505.00
| Producer | Justino's |
| Region | Madeira |
| Grapes | Terrantez |
| Ageing | Over 50 years in oak (canteiro) |
| Alcohol | 20%vol | pH: 3.36 |
| Serving | 18°C |
| Scores | 98/100 Decanter World Wine Awards 94/100 Vinous |
Fifty years of Terrantez: tobacco, tea and a long, fresh finish.
Tasting note
Medium-deep amber with a subtle hint of green. A rich, complex nose with intriguing earthy, musky aromas. Soft and richly structured, medium dry, with tobacco, tea leaves, vanilla and spice, finished by fresh acidity.
The story
Terrantez is one of the oldest grape varieties in the world. The vines give very low yields but grapes and wines of high quality. As there is little incentive on Madeira to plant new Terrantez, these wines have become rare.
The wine was made using traditional methods. The grapes were destemmed, crushed and pressed, and the must fermented in 650-litre oak casks. After six to seven days, fermentation was stopped with neutral grape spirit to keep the desired sweetness. The Terrantez then aged for more than 50 years in the canteiro system, slowly in large oak casks without artificial heating, giving a refined integration of aromas. The wine was then chilled and filtered before the blend was assembled and bottled.
Justino’s sources its grapes from vineyards in Câmara de Lobos and Campanário. Almost all vines grow on tiny terraces known as poios and are trained on pergolas, the traditional way on Madeira. The volcanic soil varies with altitude: lower down it is darker and more compact, rich in iron, while higher up the rough, grainy trachyte rock is more visible.
Food pairing
Walnut bread with Manchego and Spanish ham such as jamón serrano. Roast duck with a dark chocolate sauce.
Critics & Awards
98/100 Decanter World Wine Awards | Tasted: Jun 2017
94/100 Vinous (Antonio Galloni) | Tasted: Apr 2019
Gold – International Wine & Spirit Competition
Gold – International Wine Challenge
Gold – International Wine & Spirit Competition
Gold – International Wine Challenge