1996 Justino Boal Colheita Madeira - Medium sweet
€ 57.50
| Producer | Justino's |
| Region | Madeira |
| Grapes | Boal (Bual) |
| Alcohol | 20%vol |
| Serving | 18°C, open a few hours in advance Store upright, keeps almost indefinitely once opened |
| Scores | 95/100 IWSC |
A 1996 Boal with a finish that lingers for minutes.
Tasting note
Magically complex aromas of maple syrup, roasted pecans, dates, prunes, bergamot, ginger biscuits, espresso and warm asphalt. Incredible depth on the palate: sweet aromas but a dry, full impression, with vanilla, mocha, praline, caramelised citrus, earthy Brazil nuts and figs. A lovely spicy counterpoint that whets the appetite, and a minutes-long finish that fills the mouth and barely fades.
The story
Boal is the Portuguese name of the grape, Bual the English one (it is also called Boal Cachudo). It grows mainly in the south of the island, between 100 and 300 m altitude, and in the north near São Vicente.
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
Cheeses such as blue cheese, Stilton, Gruyère, Manchego and Emmental. Dried fruit. Crème brûlée, caramel desserts with apple, apricot, pecans, cherries, almonds, hazelnuts or dried figs, and vanilla ice cream. Also a fine companion to a pipe, cigar or aromatic tobacco.
Critics & Awards
95/100 – International Wine & Spirit Competition 2019 (Gold)