Henriques & Henriques - Madeira Boal 10yr NV (750ml)
Price: $55.99
| Producer | Henriques & Henriques |
| Country | Portugal |
| Region | Madeira |
| Varietal | Boal |
| Sku | 65423 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Henriques & Henriques Description
It might be said that the history of Henriques & Henriques is the history of Madeira itself. Legend has it that Infante Dom Henriques planted the island’s first vines in 1425. These vines gave fruit to one of the “first families of Madeira” and in the process sunk deep roots which Henriques’ descendants and successors continue to draw upon in guiding H&H today.
Along with Sercial, Verdelho and Malvasia, Boal is one of the classic white grapes of Madeira. In its youth, it is the darkest of the classic varieties, ranging from tawny to tortoise shell in color. Sweeter than Verdelho, yet less so than Malvasia, Boal is meio doce: “medium-sweet”, thought to offer Madeira lovers the ideal combination of elegance and richness. Redolent of dried fruit, barley sugar, crème brûlée and caramel, its volume is checked by its natural tang of acidity; the finish is surprisingly dry and delineated. Vintage wines tend to grow subtler and more Verdelho-like with extended elevage. There are currently just 15.5 ha under vine on the island.
Tasting Note: A concatenation of fig marmalade, salted caramel, baking spices and Havana-wreathed smoke, the H&H Boal 10-Year is sweet, gypsy richness, reverberative depths and tectonic movement: concentrated, lush, galvanizing, seraphic.
Wine Pairing: At the table: with roasted nuts (especially walnuts) and blue-veined cheeses; pâtes and foie gras; seared venison and braised short rib; robust curry stews and richer Asian dishes. For dessert: with crème caramel or brûlée, tarte tatin and classic bolo de mel. As a digestif: solo, or with a fuller-bodied cigar.
