Deep amber in hue; wonderfully taut on the nose with cinnamon spice; combines the concentration of age with the freshness of youth, multi-layered, proof that a wine can be greater than the sum of its parts, medium rich in style (100g/l) yet beautifully lithe and linear, bright steely acidity and a touch of salinity gives this wine wonderful poise. Lovely clean bitter – sweet olive finish. A wine for serious meditation. Only 600 magnums were released on 5th September 2019.
that wil stand the test of time
NOTE by Richard Mayson
A wine for serious
meditation
Exclusive special edition
To celebrate the six centuries since the discovery of the Island of Madeira, Blandy’s is launching this exclusive special edition, designed and developed down to the last detail. The Winemaker’s Selection comes from the skill of the renowned winemaker, Francisco Albuquerque, and the know-how (and knowing how to wait) of seven generations of the Blandy family, which has an unparalleled stock of very rare old Madeira wines.
The family got together and they all decided that this was the right time to share this rarity with connoisseurs of Madeira wine. Portugal and the discovery of Madeira are faithfully depicted on the unique packaging, created piece by piece by the skilled hands of those who know how to preserve the most typical and traditional origins and arts of the region and of our country.
CEO
Chris Blandy
In order to properly celebrate the 600 year anniversary since the discovery of the island, we needed a wine that would stand the test of time. We managed to integrate some of the best vintages from the family’s stock, the know-how and expertise of our winemaker Francisco Albuquerque, the historical componentes from the island and the handicraft of some of the best artisans from the country.
I believe that this wine will not only set the standard today, but will also be a reference for future generations.
OENOLOGIST & WINE DIRECTOR
Francisco Albuquerque
It’s a privilege to have the responsibility of creating this unique and memorable wine, blending the characteristics of each varietal.
I wanted to created a blend some of the best vintages spanning 3 centuries.
This wine, from the island of the same name, upon drinking will provoke strong emotions and unforgettable pleasure.
Over two centuries devoted to producing Madeira wines
1800
Years Ago
Blandy’s was founded over 200 years ago, a family-run company that focuses on the production of the best Madeira wines. A world leader in the sector, Blandy’s keeps to this day wholly devoted and faithful to the oldest and most traditional techniques for ageing its most premium wines.
1808
In the early 19th century
In the early 19th century, in 1808, John Blandy arrived on the Island of Madeira armed with a letter of recommendation to work with wine merchants and, in 1811, he founded his own company – Blandy’s. Currently run by Michael and Chris Blandy, the 6th and 7th generation of the family, the company has become known all over the world for its quality.
1811
Family Tradition
The Blandy family is unique and is the last of the families associated with the origins of Madeira wines. The family has always played an important role in the development of the sector and to this day, the Blandy’s still live on the island, continuing the family tradition that dates back to 1811.
Today
Still preserving the legacy
Over the years, and despite the many setbacks the Blandy family were faced with, they kept to the traditional art of making good wines, which are recognised worldwide. The Winemaker’s Selection is the evidence that the Blandy family is still preserving the legacy and the achievements of their ancestors.
600 Years of History
600 bottles
600 years of history
in a single bottle
The Island of Madeira was discovered by audacious Portuguese navigators in 1419. Bartolomeu Perestrelo, Tristão Vaz Teixeira and João Gonçalves Zarco landed on the island that was abundant in the raw material that gave it its name – “madeira” (wood) – a year after arriving at Porto Santo, where they accidentally had found a safe port during a storm.
Known as “The Pearl of the Atlantic” because of its location in the middle of the ocean, this Portuguese island of volcanic origin came into being over five million years ago. Geographically closer to Africa, but politically a part of Portugal, Madeira is part of the archipelago of the same name, which also includes Porto Santo, Desertas and Selvagens, covering a total area of 801 km2.
Subtropical climate
Geographic
location
Its geographic location and its unequalled topographic relief explain the temperate climate on the high ground on the south coast and the entire north coast and the subtropical climate on the south coast. The soils of Madeira are of predominant basaltic origin. They are clay based and have an acidic or very acidic pH level.
extensive voyages
Maritime
transactions
During commercial maritime transactions, particularly extensive voyages to the USA and passing through tropical regions, it was discovered that keeping Madeira wine in the holds of the sailing ships for long periods of time enriched its natural properties due to the wave motion and the high temperatures it was subject to on these transatlantic expeditions, transforming it into a magnificent nectar on arrival. It then became known as “Vinho da Roda” (round trip wine) because when the wine that wasn’t sold was returned to the producers, they found it to have surprising organoleptic characteristics.
new techniques
Ageing
Madeira wine
This discovery revolutionised the method used for ageing Madeira wine and, at the time, brought about a focus on new techniques, with results similar to those given by these voyages, such as “estufagem” (warming). This method is still used by Blandy’s today. The wines are kept in barrels on the highest floors of the cellars so that ageing can occur naturally, taking advantage of the typical heat on the island.
