Accuracy in the newsletter

Post by **Roy Hersh** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 10:50 am

Just a reality check here, I wonder what those of you Madeira experts thought of the Madeira topics in the newsletter. Did you find the information accurate ... epecially in the bullet point section towards the end? Thanks for your feedback.

Eric Ifune · Post by **Eric Ifune** » Sun Jul 30, 2006 12:31 pm

I enjoyed the newletter immensely. Some of the info was new to me like the use of innoculated yeasts only for Sercial. My impression of the island was that it was very rural and not at all a major tourist destination. I guess I'll have to join you on one of your trips soon. I did know that Madiera production was not as economically profitable for the growers as other crops so production was declining. I guess the only way to truely preserve production would be to increase prices. Wow, I can't believe I just said that! I guess Madiera is one of the only things I'd be willing to pay more for.

Marco D. · Post by **Marco D.** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 8:11 am

Great newsletter, your hard work is greatly appreciated.

My only question on the newsletter is your statement regarding Justinos:

I was surprised to learn that they no longer produce any Solera Madeiras...

This seems to imply that it is still legal to produce Solera Madeiras. It is my understanding (although I could be mistaken) that this style of Madeira is no longer allowed to be made due to past fraudulent practices.

Post by **Roy Hersh** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 10:47 am

To be honest, that is news to me and I have no doubt that you are probably right ... I just never heard that before. It is easy to find out though, maybe Reidar knows the answer to this question.

Thanks for the kind words. Lots of hours invested in that last report but it was fun transcribing all of my tasting notes and revisiting my original handwritten notes during the trip.

Reidar Andersen · Post by **Reidar Andersen** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 1:00 pm

I have not been so much into soleras, but I know from the excellent book of Alex Liddell : "Madeira":

Page: 136: Descriptin of new rules about NEW soleras, so they can be made.

Page: 149: OLD SOLERAS:
Quote:" Only one shipper-Borges- has thought it wortwhile to start a new solera under the current rules. However, stocks of old soleras may be sold off PROVIDED THEY ARE ALREADY IN BOTTLE "

That also means that shippers have old soleras in cask they cannot sell !!

Reidar

Post by **Roy Hersh** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 2:10 pm

That is why I am confused. At Herniques & Henriques I saw some old Soleras still in large vats. I would imagine they'd be able to sell them?

Thanks for adding your comments Reidar. Did you find accuracy in the rest of the information you read in the Madeira report?

By the way, is your last name Anderson perchance?

Reidar Andersen · Post by **Reidar Andersen** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 3:07 pm

Yes, Andersen no ( "o" ).

Will study the report later, under the appletrees in the garden : have printed it out. 8)

Reidar

Post by **Roy Hersh** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 3:29 pm

I have seen mention made of you in very prestigious Madeira circles. Now more than ever, it is a distinct pleasure to have you with us. Your expertise is always welcome Reidar.

Post by **Andy Velebil** » Tue Aug 01, 2006 10:13 pm

I really enjoyed the article, Thanks. From someone who is not very experienced in Madeira's I thought it was quite informative. I had a glass of Broadbent's 10yr Malmsey as I read it. 8)

Marco D. · Post by **Marco D.** » Wed Aug 02, 2006 5:26 am

Reidar wrote:Page: 136: Descriptin of new rules about NEW soleras, so they can be made.

Page: 149: OLD SOLERAS:
Quote:" Only one shipper-Borges- has thought it wortwhile to start a new solera under the current rules. However, stocks of old soleras may be sold off PROVIDED THEY ARE ALREADY IN BOTTLE "

That also means that shippers have old soleras in cask they cannot sell !!

Reidar,

Thanks so much for the above clarification. I remember reading something about this in the Liddell book, but could not remember the particulars.

Post by **Roy Hersh** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 10:47 am

I have Liddell's book somewhere, but it is rather old and I wonder if the information is outdated at this point. I'll have to look for it. I only have the soft cover version and think it was from the 1980s or '90s.

Also, thanks Andy!

Reidar Andersen · Post by **Reidar Andersen** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 11:09 am

Roy

The book was published in 1998 and is correct up to then. And not too much has changed either .

Reidar

Post by **Roy Hersh** » Mon Aug 07, 2006 8:32 pm

Jeez, it seems like the book has been around a LOT longer than that. I must be getting old.