Vinhos Barbeito, 5-year-old Malvasia Reserve (500ml)

Wine Type: Fortified

Grape(s): 100% Malvasia

Country: Portugal

Region: Madeira

Organic: No

Vegan: No

ABV: 19%

Winemaker: Ricardo Freitas

Winery: Founded in 1946 by Mário Barbeito, Vinhos Barbeito is a renowned, pioneering Madeira wine producer known for innovation and high-acid, pure styles. His daughter Manuela continued his work in the 70s. In the mid-1990s she turned over the reins of the company to her son, Ricardo Freitas, who turned the company's fortunes around after a stint as a history teacher.  

Winemaking: The Malvasia juice was aged in French oak casks for 5 years by the Canteiro method. For this blend Barbeito selected wines from their warehouses with stable temperatures year round that made a very well balanced wine in sugar and acidity. The company never uses caramel to colour its wines. 

Tasting Notes: It's a gold colour and has notes of toasted almonds, honey and a bit of smoke. Lightly caramelized on the palate, fresh and polished. Excellent as a digestif. Pair with dessert, cheese, Christmas pudding and crystallised fruit.