Wine information:
For 200 years, Blandy’s Madeira has been synonymous with quality Madeira wine. The Blandys are unique in being the only family of all the original founders of the Madeira wine trade to still own and manage their own original wine company. The family has played a leading role in the development of Madeira wine throughout its long history and members of the family continue to live on Madeira, maintaining a tradition that goes back to 1811. In 1989 the Symington Family joined forces with the Blandy’s and, through their joint expertise in wine making and marketing, the company is now the leading producer of premium quality wine on the island. Blandy's Duke of Cumberland is made from 100% Tinta negra Mole and is sourced from various quality vineyards grown at between 200m and 400m on the north of the island near São Vicente. After fermentation and fortification, Blandy's Duke of Cumberland is transferred to 'estufa' tanks where the wine underwent a cyclic heating and cooling process between 45°C and 50°C over a period of 3 months. After 'estufagem' the wine was aged for three years in American oak casks and then underwent racking and fining before the blend was assembled and bottled. Blandy's Duke of Cumberland is fined and does not require decanting. It is a superb accompaniment to dessert dishes, especially fruit, cakes, milk chocolate or custard puddings and soft cheeses. It has been bottled when ready for drinking and will keep for several months after opening. Deep, luscious, medium rich Madeira; tangy with crisp fruit, excellent with dessert and cheeses.