H.M. Borges 10 Year Old Malmsey Madeira Reserve is a luxurious, sweet Madeira crafted from the finest Malvasia grapes. With its rich, dark golden-brown hue, this wine bursts with an elegant bouquet of wood, dried fruits, and warming spices. On the palate, it offers a harmonious balance of sweetness and acidity, featuring delightful notes of orange peel, marmalade, and a hint of white pepper, culminating in a refined, smoky finish that lingers beautifully. Perfect as an after-dinner indulgence, it pairs exquisitely with desserts, chocolates, and aged cheeses. Aged for a decade using traditional techniques, this Madeira showcases exceptional craftsmanship and a timeless profile, making it a sophisticated choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Process & Profile
H.M. Borges 10-Year-Old Malmsey Madeira is made exclusively from Malvasia grapes, one of the noble varieties of Madeira. These grapes are renowned for producing the sweetest and richest Madeira wines, characterized by their high acidity, which perfectly balances the wine's sweetness. The wine undergoes the traditional *Canteiro* aging process, where it is matured in oak barrels under natural warmth in the warehouses of Madeira. This slow and meticulous aging process enhances the complexity and depth of the wine, giving it its signature profile of harmony and elegance. Reflecting its heritage, this wine boasts a robust 19% alcohol content and a deep amber hue with brownish reflections.
Tasting Notes
The sensory profile of H.M. Borges 10-Year-Old Malmsey Madeira Reserve is nothing short of captivating:
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Color: Topaz-colored with brownish hues and golden highlights.
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Aroma: An exotic bouquet of caramel, toasted almonds, dried fruits, and delicate hints of tobacco and vanilla.
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Palate: Sweet and full-bodied with well-balanced acidity. Rich notes of chocolate, caramel, and dried fruits are complemented by underlying layers of orange, spices, and woodiness. The finish is long, smooth, and elegantly complex.
What Makes It Special
This Madeira Reserve stands out for its authenticity and craftsmanship:
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Traditional Craft: Produced using the *Canteiro* method, it avoids shortcuts like artificial heating, maintaining the integrity and superior quality of the wine.
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Versatile Sweetness: The Malmsey style delivers pronounced sweetness balanced by natural acidity, making it suitable as both a dessert wine and an elegant stand-alone sip.
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Aged Excellence: With an average aging period of 10 years in oak barrels, the wine develops an unparalleled complexity and depth that is timeless.
How to Enjoy
To fully appreciate the H.M. Borges 10-Year-Old Malmsey Madeira, consider the following serving tips and pairings:
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Serving Temperature: Serve slightly chilled (16°C) as a dessert wine or at room temperature as a digestif.
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Food Pairings: Ideal with rich desserts like chocolate cake, caramelized tarts, or nutty pastries. It also pairs wonderfully with blue cheese or dark chocolate. For a simple indulgence, enjoy it on its own like a fine cognac.
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Occasions: Perfect for celebratory dinners, intimate gatherings, or as a thoughtful gift for wine connoisseurs.
Experience Madeira's Finest
H.M. Borges 10-Year-Old Malmsey Madeira Reserve is a testament to the art of Madeira winemaking. Its rich flavors, historical integrity, and remarkable versatility make it an unmissable choice for those seeking an indulgent wine experience. From festive celebrations to quiet evenings, this Madeira Reserve elevates every moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of wine is the H.M. Borges 10 Year Old Malmsey Madeira Reserve?
This is a fortified, sweet Madeira wine made exclusively from the Malvasia grape variety, known for its richness and sweetness. It is aged for ten years using the traditional "Canteiro" process, which naturally heats the wine through barrel aging in warm storage rooms.
What are the tasting notes of this wine?
The wine has a deep amber color with notes of chocolate, caramel, dried fruits, and almonds. It presents a complex and harmonious balance of sweetness and acidity, complemented by a slight hint of vanilla and orange zest.
How should I serve this Madeira wine?
For the best experience, serve this wine at room temperature or slightly chilled (around 16-18°C). It is ideal as a dessert wine or digestif and pairs wonderfully with rich desserts, cheeses like blue cheese, or even on its own.
What food pairings work well with this Madeira?
This wine pairs excellently with desserts like chocolate cake, caramel pudding, or dried fruit tarts. It's also great with hard or blue cheeses, and can even complement savory dishes with a hint of sweetness.
How is this Madeira aged?
The H.M. Borges 10 Year Old Malmsey is aged using the "Canteiro" method, where the wine is stored in wooden barrels in attics. This allows exposure to natural heat over time, which caramelizes the sugars and enhances its complexity and richness.
What distinguishes Malmsey from other Madeira wines?
Malmsey (Malvasia) Madeira is the sweetest style of Madeira wine. It is known for its rich texture, dark amber color, and intense flavors of caramel, toffee, and dried fruits. Compared to other Madeira styles, it has the highest degree of residual sugar.
Does this wine improve with further aging?
Once bottled, Madeira wine does not significantly improve with age as its aging occurs in the barrel. However, an opened bottle of Madeira can last for months without losing its quality due to its high acidity and oxidation during production.
What is the alcohol content of this wine?
This wine has an alcohol content of 19%, typical for Madeira wines.
Can this wine be stored after opening?
Yes, Madeira is renowned for its longevity even after being opened. Thanks to its unique aging process, it remains stable and can retain its quality for several months if stored in a cool, dark place with the bottle sealed.