RWC Historic Series 'Thomas Jefferson' Special Reserve Madeira DOC
Item Number: 15056
UPC: None
Country: Portugal
Region: Madeira
Sub Region: Madeira
Appellation/AVA: Madeira DOP
Estate Grown Wine: No
Grape(s): Malvasia / Tinta Negra / Bastardo
Type: Wine - Sherry, Madeira & Port
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 19.5
Residual Sugar(g/L): ~65g/l
Soil Type: Volcanic soils, on steep, terraced hillsides
Case Production: 50-100 (when made)
History: The RWC Historic Series represents a close collaboration between The Rare Wine Co. and Vinhos Barbeito. First conceived in 1998, the goal from the beginning was to produce a series of affordable varietal Madeiras that possess the magical qualities of great vintage Madeira. Each wine is made up 85% of the stated variety, selected from parcels of wine 10 to 20 years old. The remaining 15% is very old Tinta Negra Mole, 40 to 60 years of age, which gives the wines much of their aged vintage character. The labels feature early engravings and historic information, further evoking a sense of Madeira’s towering importance in American history.
Aging: The best Madeiras, including those in the RWC Historic Series, spend years or decades in large barrels of various sizes, subject to substantial yearly swings in temperature (a method called canteiro). This time is what gives the wines their unique personalities.
Thomas Jefferson Special Reserve Notes: Thomas Jefferson was not only a central figure in America’s founding, but he was also the country’s first renowned wine connoisseur. And, like the other Founding Fathers, Jefferson loved Madeira. Jefferson’s preferred drink was a blend of fine, dry Madeira with a small amount of rare Malvasia, resulting in a wine similar to Rainwater, but more powerful, complex, and longer on the palate. This homage to Jefferson captures those characteristics for today’s Madeira lovers.
Winemaking Notes: The Special Reserve designation requires the average age of wines to exceed 10 years. Each of Ricardo’s skillfully assembled blends spends additional time in barrel to meld the components. For the Jefferson Special Reserve, Ricardo lends a small amount of rare Malvasia Candida into a fine dry Madeira. The final wine typically contains ~65g/l sugar and over 7.5g/l total acidity. The RWC Thomas Jefferson Special Reserve is beautifully refined, with just a hint of sweetness.