Malvasia Riserva (1875)

About this wine

This 1875 D'Oliveiras Malvasia Madeira offers a deep, dark color with a vibrant amber hue. The nose presents a captivating blend of caramel, dried fruits, and subtle spice notes. On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied, showcasing flavors of caramel, dried fruits, and spices, balanced by a lively acidity that prevents it from being overly sweet. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a lasting impression of its complexity. Remarkably, this wine has aged gracefully for over a century, maintaining its depth and character.

About the grape

Malvasia, introduced to Madeira in the 15th century, is renowned for producing the island's sweetest wines, commonly known as Malmsey. The original Malvasia Cândida grape, brought from Crete, was highly prized but became nearly extinct due to its susceptibility to diseases and low yields. In the 1970s, Malvasia Branca de São Jorge was introduced, offering higher yields and greater resilience, and it now dominates Malmsey production. The 1875 D’Oliveiras Malvasia Riserva likely utilized Malvasia Cândida, reflecting the traditional cultivation practices of that era.

Quick facts

• 🍷 The 1875 D'Oliveiras Malvasia Madeira is a rare and historic wine, produced during the height of the phylloxera epidemic that devastated vineyards across Europe.
• 🍇 Malvasia, also known as Malmsey, is renowned for producing the sweetest style of Madeira wine, characterized by rich, luscious flavors and balanced acidity.
• 🏰 D'Oliveiras, established in 1850, is one of the oldest Madeira wine producers, known for its extensive library of old and rare Madeiras, including vintages dating back to the 19th century.
• 🌟 The 1875 Malvasia Madeira has been described as having a vibrant, medium-plus rich walnut and amber color, with a seamless integration of ripe and tart fruit, acidity, and weight, leading to a long aftertaste.
• ⏳ Madeira wines like the 1875 D'Oliveiras Malvasia are known for their remarkable longevity, often remaining vibrant and complex even after more than a century.

Palate profile

Producer

Founded in 1850, Pereira D'Oliveira is a family-owned Madeira wine producer located in Funchal, Portugal. The winery is renowned for its extensive collection of aged Madeiras, with some vintages dating back to the mid-19th century. Remarkably, D'Oliveira did not begin exporting its wines until the 1970s, focusing instead on local sales, which contributed to its substantial stock of older wines. The winery's headquarters, housed in a 17th-century building, offers visitors a glimpse into its rich history and traditional winemaking practices.