GRAPE VARIETIES: Verdelho
VINEYARDS: Various quality vineyards in Ponta Delgada and São Vicente at altitudes of up to 400m.
VINIFICATION: Blandy’s 5 year old Verdelho underwent fermentation off the skins with natural yeast at temperatures between 18°C – 21°C in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. After approximately 4 days, fortification with grape brandy takes place, arresting fermentation at the desired degree of sweetness.
MATURATION: Blandy’s 5 year old Verdelho was aged in American oak casks in the traditional ‘Canteiro’ system. This comprises of the gentle heating of the wine in the lofts of the lodges in Funchal. Over the years the wine is transferred from the top floors to the middle floors and eventually to the ground floor where it is cooler. After this gradual ‘estufagem’ the wine underwent racking and fining before the blend was assembled and bottled.
SPECIFICATION
Alcohol: 19% ABV
pH: 3.43
Residual Sugar:78 g/l
Total Acidity: 6.53 g/l tartaric acid
SERVING &CELLARAGE
Blandy’s 5 year old Verdelho is fined and does not require decanting. It is excellent as an aperitif but is also exceedingly good with soups, feathered game and patês. It has been bottled when ready for drinking and will keep for several months after opening.
PRESS COMMENTS
“Gorgeous full-bodied mouth feel on the palate with slightly smoked rich creamy flavours and tones of honey, introduced by luxurious warm full orangey aromas. Simply delightful.”
International Wine Challenge
AWARDS
Silver Medal, IWC 2001
Silver Medal, IWC 2002
TASTING NOTES
Clear, topaz colour, with a golden rim. Complex nose, revealing a fresh bouquet with raisins, dried fruits, wood and spices.
