For The Love Of Port

The latest series in the Rare Wine Company's Madeiras seems to have hit the shelves. A bit more expensive than the other wines in the series (about $70), but this particular bottling is a blend of the rare Terrantez grape.

A deceptively light amber color introduces a rich, smoky walnut skin nose with background nuances of burnt sugar. Very dry in the mouth with excellent acidity, but not in the least bit austere. A wonderful pleasing bitterness weaves in and out on the tangy finish. Lingering flavors of buttered toffee linger, but that beautiful primary flavor of bitter nut skin dominates. A beautifully elegant yet expressive example of Terrantez (although it is actually a blend of Terrantez and Tinta Negra Mole). Better suited with food or as an aperitif, given the dryness level.

I enjoyed this quite a bit and look forward to its evolution over the next few weeks.

I haven't seen this in their web site inventory list or any mention on the website or in newsletters. Is it going out only through their distributors? Is it also from Barbeito, I wonder?

Gary

I've never seen it in their newletter or inventory list either. When I talked to Mannie in January he mentioned this was coming out and I've definitely been looking out for it... I was quite surprised to see it at retail.

It is indeed bottled by Barbeito. From what I hear, quantities are extremely limited.

Yes, he mentioned this in his interview a couple of months back (NY Times?). Its average age is higher than the others too (50 IIRC).
But agree, not in their published inventory.

Alan Gardner

If memory serves me correctly, I also think that some of the profits go to help New Orleans in the wake of the Katrina disaster.

I found this on the RWC web site in the section about the RWC historic series.

"In the Spring of 2007, we released a limited bottling of New Orleans Special Reserve, based on the rare Terrantez grape, to raise funds and awareness for post-Katrina cultural activities in New Orleans."

I have a dealer trying to track some down.

Gary

So was this actually Barbeito juice or was it just bottled by them? Does anybody have the technical details?

I have been enjoying this over the past couple of days and am sure it will be gone by the end of the weekend. Whoa nelly!

Marco, what a difference between this and the recent VB eh?

I actually haven't tried the VB yet. I still have a third of the Terrantez bottle left. I'm desperately trying to make this last.

I really liked the VB, so is this one worth the $$ ?

Without question Andy. My TN is done and will appear in a few weeks.

Although I haven't tried the VB, I can easily recommend the New Orleans Terrantez and personally think it's worth the price... just don't expect a sweet style.

marco, have you ever tried the '88 d'oliveira "harvest" terrantez or the '77? Curious how they compare to the New Orleans Terrantez.

Hey Dan,

Unfortunately I haven't tried either...

--MD

I have had both and I think the New Orleans is considerably better. Unquestionably my favorite in the RWC Historic Series, the Terrantez is a bargain but almost impossible to obtain.

I have lots more to share about this particular bottling but will do so in the next newsletter where my TN already resides.

What foods would you pair with this Terrantez? I'm assuming that it's drier than Sercial. Is that correct?

Roy, I know they are two different and outstanding wines...and to say its not meaningful to compare them would be understandable....but on a "personal favorite" or "pleasure delivered/personal rating" scale, which did you prefer...the New Orleans Terrantez or the 1968 D'Oliveira Bual?

Actually, perhaps more relevant would be the same question of preference for New Orleans relative to the broadbent old reserve and broadbent 50 yr old terrantez's

Just curious....
thanks!

Daniel,

For me at least, Terrantez does not make for good comparisons, say for example ... like Boal and Malvasia. Terrantez when it reaches a certain level is almost in a different league as it borders on dry/sweet in such a delicate way that is hard to describe, while also showing a much lighter and ethereal quality to its palate presence.

I am not trying to avoid your question, but am really having a tough time saying one is "better" than the other on a qualitative spectrum.

If you want to know which I consider a better VALUE, that is a totally different question.

i understand.

ok then, how about better value?

Also, assuming they were all the same price (well at least the terrantez's) and you could only buy one, which would it be? (would including the 68 d'olivera in here change your decision?)

thx

I've been meaning to post my tasting notes for a while now. My notes are very similar to Marco's, but with some differences.

I found the color to be a dark amber/medium brown but with the distinctive green rim that Madeira wines tend to have. The nose was butterscotch candy. The flavors were burnt caramel and plums, with just a hint of lemon on the finish, combined with a vibrant acidity that a perfect blend. For my taste, this is by far the best of the RWC Historic Series bottlings.

I tasted the wine with the chef that will be doing the Madeira dinner with me, now scheduled for the Spring in 2009. We both immediately agreed that the wine was deeper than the RWC Sercial and could take on a course with some richness, such as a lobster bisque. As soon as he decides the course, I'll post it hear as a suggestion.

All the best,
John