For The Love Of Port

I purchased this bottle on my last visit to London at Fortnum and Mason's. This is the brand's private label non-vintage Madeira; it is produced and bottled by Barbeito and the back label says its a Malvasia Reserva. It cost £19.50 ($35-38 US) for a 500ml bottle.

The color is a medium amber. The nose is rather subtle and, for that matter, simple--just dried fruit like citrus and apricot and a faint mineral aroma. For Malvasia, it's surprisingly light-bodied (I've never had Christmas pudding before, but I doubt this stuff would stand up to it) and less sweet (I'd call it at off-dry) than I'd imagine. It lacks the concentration generally found in 10-year old NV Madeiras, which is disheartening considering its cost. Altogether, a disappointing experience.

It is funny, I have never had Christmas Pudding but noticed it in Port TNs in the past and had to ask what it was. Between Marmite, Christmas Pudding, Sultana Raisins etc., it is fun to see the different items that our Brit friends get to eat.

Now Madeira on the other hand, it seems the Brits lost their interest somewhere in the last century. At one time, the UK was a very significant Madeira market but that does not seem to be the case as much today. Certainly not in the past decade.