September 2024 Mariner's Society Wine Club
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2010 Blandy’s Single
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Blandy’s 5 Year
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Okay Mariner’s Club members! I’m excited to present this month two exquisite expressions of Boal Madeira, the 2010 Blandy's Single Harvest Boal and the 5-Year Blandy's Boal Madeira. Let's look at the range and richness of this remarkable grape variety.
Boal is one of the traditional Madeira varieties and is prized for its ability to produce rich, sweet wines. Bual, (or Boal) also known as “Malvasia Fina” is a varietal that does best on the south coast of the Island – between Ribeira Brava and Calheta. Picking is relatively early, producing medium to dark, full-bodied and fruity wine with a well rounded flavor and attractive ‘smoky’ complexity. It’s not as widely planted as some other varietals so the rarity of Boal adds to its appeal and often makes it a sought-after choice among Madeira enthusiasts — For those new to Madeira, Boal is a great place to start. In fact, I’d describe Bual as defining Madeira for me.
What makes the 2010 vintage unique?
The 2010 Madeira floods and mudslides had a significant impact on the island’s vineyards and grape-growing season. The extreme weather event, which included heavy rains and landslides, caused widespread damage. Many vineyards suffered from the flooding and debris, which eroded soil, damaged trellises, and sometimes destroyed entire plots. Despite these challenges, some Bual was still produced in 2010, although in very limited quantities. The weather impacted the vintage, reducing both yields and production. As a result, Boal has become increasingly rare.
2010 Flooding in Funchal
2010 Blandy's Single Harvest Boal: Grapes from Calheta, on the warmer south coast of Madeira, create an amber wine with enticing smoky and rich savory-spicy aromas. It has a richness reminiscent of Sugar plums and quince marmalade, with a spicy backdrop balanced by fresh, appley acidity. The finish is long and delightful, like a gently cinnamon-spiced Tarte Tatin. While nothing beats the complexity that comes with age in Madeira, this Colheita, with its decade in wood, has impressive depth and character.
For comparison, we also have the 5-Year Blandy's Boal Madeira, a younger yet equally captivating example. This vibrant Madeira highlights the characteristic sweetness and bright acidity of the Boal grape, delivering a fresh and lively experience with hints of caramel and spices. Blandy's 5 year old Bual was aged in American oak casks in the traditional 'Canteiro' system—the gentle heating of the wine used in Madeira wine production to age and mature the wine. After this gradual 'estufagem' the wine underwent racking and fining before the blend was assembled and bottled.
As you taste through these two expressions, you’ll discover how the extended aging in the 2010 Single Harvest contrasts with the more immediate, vibrant profile of the 5-Year Boal.
Enjoy your explorations Mariner's members!
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