Verdelho Riserva (1890)
SommeliAI Insights
A refined Madeira with aromas of orange peel, tangerine, dried honey, and wax resin, offering a balanced palate with tangy, oxidative notes.
About this wine
The 1890 D'Oliveiras Verdelho Madeira presents a refined bouquet with precise aromas of orange peel, tangerine, dried honey, and wax resin. On the palate, it is well-balanced, showcasing impressive clarity and poise, building with tangy, oxidative notes that harmonize with its subtle sweetness. This wine exemplifies how Verdelho can age gracefully over decades, maintaining its elegance and complexity. Produced by D'Oliveiras, a family-owned company founded in 1850, this Madeira reflects the rich winemaking heritage of the island. The Verdelho grape, traditionally associated with Madeira, contributes to the wine's distinctive character and longevity.
About the grape
Verdelho is a white grape variety that has been integral to Madeira's wine heritage since the 15th century. By the 19th century, it was the most widely planted grape on the island, accounting for approximately two-thirds of Madeira's vineyards. This grape is known for its high acidity and moderate sugar levels, making it ideal for producing medium-dry fortified wines. The 1890 D’Oliveiras Verdelho Riserva 1890 is a testament to the enduring legacy of Verdelho in Madeira's winemaking tradition.
Quick facts
- 🍷 The 1890 D'Oliveiras Verdelho Madeira is a rare and historic wine, aged for over a century, showcasing the longevity and resilience of Madeira wines.
- 🍇 Verdelho, the grape used in this wine, was once the most widely planted white grape on Madeira Island, known for its high acidity and versatility.
- 🏰 D'Oliveiras, the producer of this wine, is renowned for its extensive library of old and rare Madeiras, with vintages dating back to the 19th century.
- 🔥 Madeira wines, like this 1890 Verdelho, undergo a unique aging process involving heat and oxidation, contributing to their distinctive flavor profiles and remarkable longevity.
- 🍊 The 1890 D'Oliveiras Verdelho has been praised for its elegant bouquet with notes of orange peel, tangerine, dried honey, and wax resin, reflecting the complex evolution of flavors over time.
Palate profile
Producer
Pereira D'Oliveira, established in 1850, is a family-owned winery in Funchal, Madeira, Portugal, renowned for its extensive collection of aged Madeira wines, some dating back to the 19th century. The winery's headquarters, located in a 17th-century building, house over 1.5 million liters of aging wine, reflecting their commitment to traditional production methods. Remarkably, D'Oliveira began exporting its wines only in the 1970s, having previously sold exclusively on the island, which contributed to their substantial reserves of vintage wines. Visitors to their historic lodge can experience tastings of these exceptional vintages, offering a unique glimpse into Madeira's rich winemaking heritage.
