1993 Barbeito Malvasia Candida Madeira sweet
€ 400.00
| Producer | Barbeito |
| Region | Madeira |
| Grapes | Malvasia Cândida |
| Ageing | 20 years at Fajã dos Padres, 6 years at Barbeito (canteiro) |
| Alcohol | 19.13%vol | pH: 3.31 |
| Serving | 18°C, open a few hours in advance Store upright, keeps almost indefinitely once opened |
| Scores | 93/100 Robert Parker |
A 1993 Malvasia Cândida from Fajã dos Padres: 426 bottles.
Tasting note
A bouquet with sweet notes of hazelnuts, sultanas, molasses, dark chocolate, polished wood, brown sugar and a touch of menthol. Syrupy on the palate yet beautifully balanced by fine, fresh acidity, followed by a long, fresh and elegant finish.
The story
Tradition has it that Malvasia Cândida was the first grape planted on Madeira, in the second half of the 15th century. Jesuit priests introduced it at Fajã dos Padres, and the wine from that land soon became the most sought-after Madeira.
From 1993 to 2013 the wine aged using the canteiro method in the family lodge at Fajã dos Padres, concentrating strongly over the years. From 2014 to 2019 it continued ageing in Barbeito’s lodges at lower temperatures, giving a balanced, supple and fresh wine. In October 2019, 426 bottles were filled, all individually numbered.
Madeira spends years ageing in an oxidative environment and moves into a reductive one at bottling. It is therefore best to open the bottle a few hours in advance. After that, air no longer affects the wine: an open bottle keeps almost indefinitely and often tastes even better months later. Always store Madeira upright, as the acidity attacks the cork if the bottle lies down.
Food pairing
An excellent match for pastries, fruit, chocolate, pralines, hard cheeses, and ice cream, caramel and coffee desserts.
Critics & Awards
93/100 Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate