Madeira

This is a fortified wine made from late picked Verdelho grapes and originated on the Portuguese island of Madeira. Originally in our area all Verdelho plantings were used to make Madeira but with the emergence of Verdelho as a white table wine this is rarely the case these days.

At Catherine Vale we have 200 Verdelho vines set aside for making a Madeira in the Solera style. Each year we have allowed the fruit to stay on the vine for an extended period before crushing and fermentation. Spirit is added and the process is repeated each season.

Our current release has been 10 years in the making. It has a smoky complexity with orange amber colour and high-toned rancio acidity. We intend to pursue this style well into the future.

James Halliday rating: 90

Available only from the Cellar Door