RWC Historic Series 'Savannah' Verdelho, Madeira DOC

RWC Historic Series 'Savannah' Verdelho, Madeira DOC

Item Number: 3735

UPC: 0-828116000635

Country: Portugal
Region: Madeira
Sub Region: Madeira
Appellation/AVA: Madeira DOC
Estate Grown Wine: No
Grape(s): 85% Verdelho / 15% Tinto Negra Mole
Type: Wine - Sherry & Madeira (Fortified)
Bottle Size: 750 ml
Pack: 12
Closure: Cork
Alc by Vol(%): 19.5
Soil Type: Volcanic, on steep, terraced hillsides.

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. The difficulty of such a task was great, and, in fact, it took four years to perfect the blends. But finally in 2002, the first two wines in the series— New York Malmsey and Boston Bual—were released. And in 2004, the third in the series, Charleston Sercial, was released. The market reception has been extraordinary. Each wine is named for an American seaport where Madeira was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. The labels feature early engravings and historic information, further evoking a sense of Madeira's towering importance in American history.

Vineyard Information: A range of historic sites along the island's coast. Each wine is made up 85% of the stated varietal, selected from parcels of wine 10 to 20 years old. The remaining 15% is very old Tinta Negro Mole, 40 to 60 years of age, which gives the wines much of their aged vintage character.

Oak Aging: The critical process for making great Madeira is extended aging in wood. Most young blends achieve most of their character by heating over a few months in large vats. The RWC wines have spent years or decades in large barrels of various sizes. This time is what gives them their unique personalities.

'Savannah' Verdelho Tasting Notes: The Savannah Verdelho finds the perfect harmony between sweetness, acidity, and intensity. With its strong personality and balance, it may be the most versatile of this series for pairing with savory dishes.

Reviews

  • The Wine Advocate
    Rating: 93 (10/15/2020)
    The NV Savannah Verdhelo Special Reserve (Rare Wine Company) is lovely, wafting from the glass with inviting aromas of fruitcake, warm spices, bitter orange, blanched almonds and dried flowers. Full-bodied, satiny and enveloping, with racy acids, a fleshy core of fruit, nicely integrated sweetness and an off-dry finish, it concludes with a penetrating and mouthwateringly saline finish.
  • Vinous
    Rating: 90 (12/8/2022)
    The Madeira Savannah Verdelho Special Reserve is redolent of cloves, caramel, brown sugar, leather, cedar and tobacco. There's a good bit of brightness and acid to play off the generally mature flavors in this light to medium-bodied Madeira. Floral accents lift the finish beautifully.