Madeira is produced on a breathtakingly beautiful volcanic island of the same name which surges from the sea at a point 360 miles west of Morocco and 700 miles south of Portugal, which governs it. The history of Madeira’s wine is nearly as old as that of the island. The island was first settled by Europeans—led by the Portuguese explorer Zarco—in 1419. By 1455 a visitor from Venice wrote that Madeira’s vineyards were the world's most beautiful. Within a century, the wine from these vineyards was well established in markets throughout Europe and by the 1600’s it had become the most popular wine in Britain’s North American colonies.

Origins of a New Idea. It was the Rare Wine Co.'s belief that the usual introductions to Madeira—five- and ten-year blends—often failed to offer the extra magic and distinction that marks the great vintage wines. With this in mind, they teamed with Vinhos Barbeito’s owner, Ricardo Diogo Vasconcelos Freitas, to create the Historic Series—affordable Madeiras that reflected the style and complexity of the great vintage wines.

As the holder of one of the great libraries of 18th and 19th century Madeiras, Ricardo had a unique understanding of the qualities they sought. The goals seemed simple, but it took over two years of trials to reach their aims. They wanted wines that would express true varietal character and display the traits of vintage Madeira. While no “Vintage Character” designation exists for Madeira as it does for Port, they felt that such a creation could contribute to Madeira’s ongoing resurgence.

Affordable Madeiras are typically blended for uniformity but, with this project, they sought to create highly individual wines—wines that would display uniquely the combinations of acidity, concentration, aromatics, and richness that mark the finest Madeiras. By working with small lots, they were able to include parcels of old wine (many exceeding 30 years old) which gave these wines the character of Vintage Madeira. The source and age of these parcels may vary from lot to lot, but they will always help to achieve a more expressive and unique result.

Charleston Sercial Special Reserve
Wine Enthusiast: “93 rating. The Historic Series are simply great Madeiras at reasonable prices. The Charleston Sercial is the driest of the collection, offering nutty aromas tinged with honey, caramel and maple syrup. Dried figs, honey and candied citrus flavors mark the palate, which is wonderfully smooth. The long finish features racy yet balanced acidity.”
$45.99

Boston Bual Special Reserve
Wine Enthusiast: “93 rating. Slightly richer than the Charleston Sercial, the Boston Bual boasts knockout aromas of toasted nut oil, orange peel and hints of dark honey or maple syrup. Despite the extra weight and sweetness, it’s not cloying at all – the finish is mouthwatering and long.”
$45.99

New York Malmsey Special Reserve
Wine Enthusiast: “93 rating. The sweetest and richest in the Historic Series, the New York Malmsey unfolds slowly in the glass, gradually revealing layers of depth and flavor. Coffee, toffee, and date notes emerge, followed by earthy, almost truffley flavors. Powerful and assertive on the long finish.”
$45.99

Mix a case and save 15% - $469.10/case or $39.09 or include a bottle in your next case of wine and get the same deal.