FEIST Madeira "Rainwater" Style

kennuncorked Tasting Notes

Production Practices:
The wines of Madeira appear to have "historic sustainability", especially for the United States.

Vines are grown in tiny plots—typically, a smallholder will grow vines on pergolas, with cabbages and other crops growing underneath. There are an estimated 14 000 different vineyard plots on the island, and with a total vineyard area of 1700 hectares (approximately 42,000 acres), The average plot is about 1.214 hectare (about 3 acres) although most are just a fraction of a hectare. Therefore, each of the major wine producers will buy grapes from many hundreds of different growers, creating obvious difficulties for quality control.

Appearance:
With the glass tilted, the wine is clear and transparent. The core is a rich burnt orange/amber gently fading to a medium orange rim. 

Nose/Aromas:
Clean with a pronounce intensity of caramel, orange peel, and dried figs.  (Serve slightly chilled -55 degrees Fahrenheit/12.65 degrees Celsius)

Palate:
Sweet, medium plus bodied, with a slight hint of tannin (unexpected) with mouth-watering acidity.  The fruit characteristics seem pronounced and similar to the nose "caramel, orange peel, and dried figs.  There is no perception of alcohol (the alcohol level = 19.0%) indicating the alcohol in well integrated into the wine and all the components are in balance.

Finish/Length:
Clean with a long finish with the slow fading of all the fruit flavors on the palate.

Cost:

Approximate retail price: US$14.00.

Producers Notes:

Madeira, is a volcanic island situated in the Atlantic Ocean some 400 mile off the North African coast.  It was discovered in 1419 by Portuguese explorers and is famous for its dessert wine of the same name which is unique in character and taste.  FEIST MADEIRA is made in strict accordance with the traditional methods.  FEIST MADEIRA was aged and matured in oak casks for 3 years, then bottled on the island.  Esteemed for its concentrated aroma and suble flavour , it can be served as an aperitif or an after dinner drink.