Mystery Bottle of Madeira

[laurie lynn]

This bottle was on a bookshelf in my parents' home as far back as I can remember. It may have been given them as early as the 1960's but not later than the 1970's. The pale turquoise and pink accents woven into the basketwork make me think of the 1950's and 1960's. Unfortunately, I never thought to ask my parents about it and they are no longer around to inform me. Can anyone tell me anything about this? I know that the Ferraz company no longer exists. The woven top is unbroken. The bottom of the basket is wooden. No glass is visible.

Many thanks for any enlightenment,
Laurie

[Moses Botbol]

Is the bottle full? Have you tried any of it?

[laurie lynn]

Ah, I was wrong. The basket top isn't sealed. The bottle appears full by weight and is corked though not otherwise sealed. Green glass. No, I have never opened it. I would like to know more about it before I do.

Thank you,
Laurie

[Moses Botbol]

My hunch is that it's very basic Madeira, "nothing to write home about", but considering the bottle age it could be fun to drink. It sounds to be in one of the drier styles of Madeira like Sercial.

[Peter W. Meek]

Another possibility is that someone long ago enjoyed this bottle, liked the basketwork (as a souvenir), refilled it with water (for the weight), and recorked it. Is there any sign that a corkscrew has been through the cork? (Puncture, torn up surface?)

My point being that I would not use this as the main attraction for some evening without having a back-up bottle or two.

[Moses Botbol]

My point being that I would not use this as the main attraction for some evening without having a back-up bottle or two.

No doubt on that note! Even if it was unharmed, I would still want a back up in the queue. I love wicker bottles, even though it's not usually great stuff in it.

[Gary Banker]

16% alcohol seems low. I have never seen any madeira with such a low level of alcohol. It is more like sherry. I wonder what market/drinker they were targeting.

[laurie lynn]

Interesting so far . . . here's a picture of the cork; as far as I can tell, it looks intact.



A practical joke wouldn't have been likely among my parents' circle of friends; an inexpensive gift would have been.

If I decide to open it and try it out, I'll have to get a bottle of good madeira first so I'll have something to compare it with!

Smiles,
Laurie

[Peter W. Meek]

Interesting so far . . . here's a picture of the cork; as far as I can tell, it looks intact.

<snip>
A practical joke wouldn't have been likely among my parents' circle of friends; an inexpensive gift would have been.
<snip>

I wasn't thinking of it as a joke, but perhaps your parents had enjoyed the bottle and corked it back up as a souvenir. The undamaged cork tends to belie that however.