Bual
75cl * 19.0% ABV * Madeira
Bual is grown almost exclusively in the southern regions of Calheta and Ribeira Brava and produces a medium-rich style of wine. Matured at the Blandy's Wine Lodges in the centre of Funchal in old American oak casks, this Bual is packed with aromas of raisins, butterscotch and vanilla. Mouth-filling concentrated flavours of maple syrup, figs, caramel and sugared walnuts. Medium rich Madeira with a gentle sweetness and plenty of refreshing acidity. This new style is a little dryer than previous blends of Bual making it fresher and more vibrant.
It is a lovely accompaniment to foie gras, crème brûlée and cheeses such as aged gouda or blue cheese, but also pairs extremely well with spicy food due to the sotolon, an extremely powerful aroma compound, with the typical smell of fenugreek or curry at high concentrations and maple syrup, caramel, or burnt sugar at lower concentrations.
Blandy’s 10 year old Bual does not require decanting. It has been bottled ready for drinking and will keep for several months after opening. Serve at 15°C.