Boal Reserva, Barbeito (50cl)

Honey colour. Aromas of dried fruit, floral and yellow fruit jam. Round medium bodied wine, slightly smoked, finishing fresh and tangy.

One of the smallest of all Madeira producers, and only founded in 1946 by Ricardo’s grandfather, and yet with an extraordinary reputation.

Ricardo Diogo de Freitas took over the winemaking at the family firm in 1993, and hasn’t looked back. He possesses energy in spades – eRobertParker calls him the Island’s “Gamechanger” and its easy to see why, but risks overlooking his commitment to tradition, or at least the reinvention of it.

Grapes from various quality vineyards from Arco da Calheta e Prazeres were used. Grapes were pressed in a pneumatic press. Arresting of fermentation takes place at the desired degree of sweetness by adding vinic alcohol (96%).