Barbeito Atlantic Rainwater Madeira

This wine is a commemorative bottling of a special and unique blend made by Raymond Reynolds Ltd and Barbeito. It has been made to recreate the lighter style of Madeira once shipped to a US merchant in Baltimore, that is said to have been diluted while awaiting shipment on a rain-drenched Funchal dock; Rainwater.

Madeira, Portugal

Vintage NV

18%

50cl

Grape Varieties: Verdelho, Tinta Negra and Sercial

MORE INFORMATION

Viticulture

Grapes from a variety of quality vineyards. Verdelho from Raposeira, Tinta Negra from Estreito de Câmara de Lobos and São Vicente and Sercial from Seixal. Grapes were pressed in a continuous press. Arresting of fermentation takes place at the desired degree of sweetness by adding vinic alcohol.

Winemaking

Madeira legend has it that a consignment of Madeira barrels, bound for a US merchant in Baltimore, came to be “diluted” as they stood on a rain-drenched Funchal quay. So impressed was the merchant with the result that a new style was born; ‘Rainwater’. The Atlantic Rainwater is a unique, commemorative bottling, crafted by Ricardo Freitas at the Barbeito Madeira lodges. It is a blend of Verdelho, Tinta Negra and Sercial, but not a drop of rain water! All wines were aged in barrel in the traditional CANTEIRO method. The style of this wine emulates the original, being vibrant, lighter in flavour, with a savoury edge. Like the legend, this wine was all shipped to the UK on the unique wooden sailing lugger GRAYHOUND in July 2019.

Taste 

Light Gold colour. Aromas of dried fruit, pistachio and lemon zest. Very clean and pure on palate, citric savoury flavours bringing freshness and persistence to the wine.

Food Pairing 

Excellent as an aperitif