Lovely golden-chestnut colour with a fine golden rim. Nose: characteristic and classic Madeira bouquet of dried fruits, toffee and hints of oak and spices. Palate: sweet, very rich, smooth and full-bodied, balanced by a very fine acidity. A long aftertaste with notes of honey and spicy oak.

Blandys Alvada is fined and does not require decanting. It is a fine accompaniment to dessert dishes, especially fruit, cakes, rich chocolate puddings and cheeses. It has been bottled when ready for drinking and will keep for several months after opening.

A deep golden brown colour with honey and raisins on the nose, rich and full bodied and soft textured; a great after dinner drink.

Made from grapes grown about 200 metres on the north of the island of Madeira.

It is a superb accompaniment to desserts, especially cakes, fruit, chocolate puddings and soft cheeses.

It is ready for drinking and once opened will keep for several months.  

A deep, luscious, medium rich Madeira; tangy with crisp fruit, excellent with dessert and cheeses.

Blandy's Duke of Cumberland is fined and does not require decanting. It is a superb accompaniment to dessert dishes, especially fruit, cakes, milk chocolate or custard puddings and soft cheeses. It has been bottled when ready for drinking and will keep for several months after opening.

VINEYARDS Various quality vineyards grown at between 200m and 400m on the north of the island near São Vicente. VINIFICATION Blandy's Duke of Cumberland underwent fermentation on the skins with natural yeast at between 24°C - 26°C C in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. After approximately 3 days, fortification with grape brandy takes place, arresting fermentation at the desired degree of sweetness.

MATURATION Blandy's Duke of Cumberland was transferred to 'estufa' tanks where the wine underwent a cyclic heating and cooling process between 45°C and 50°C over a period of 3 months. After 'estufagem' the wine was aged for three years in American oak casks and then underwent racking and fining before the blend was assembled and bottled.

This is fresh, light madeira with clean fresh nutty flavours. Its dryness makes it an excellent aperitif wine.

Warm toast character, apricot and marmalade flavours and a touch of gentle acidity. The finish is delicate and refreshing, and bursting with tangy, sweet lime. Wine - October 1998