Historicn the 18th and 19thSeries centuries, Madeira MadeirasAs America’s leading merchant of rare, old was the United States’ most prestigious Madeiras, The Rare Wine Co. has been a Iwine, shipped to connoisseurs in major major force behind Madeira’s recent revival seaports from New Orleans to Boston. in the marketplace—introducing a new Prominent families purchased vintage generation of wine lovers to the wonders of Madeira in cask or demijohn, and built vintage Madeira. But it was long a dream sizeable collections for long-term aging. In of ours to introduce Madeira’s glory to a the late-1800s, successive plagues of broader market—teaching Americans Oïdium and Phylloxera devastated about both Madeira’s magical quality and Madeira production, and the tradition of our two centuries of shared history ... Thus Madeira drifted into obscurity. the Historic Series was born. OVERVIEW R A R E W I N E C O. R A E HISTORY: The RWC Historic Series represents a close WITH the exception of the multi-varietal Baltimore collaboration between The Rare Wine Co. and Vinhos Rainwater, each wine is made up of 85% of the stat- Barbeito. First conceived in 1998, the goal was always to ed varietal, selected from parcels of wine averaging 15 produce affordable varietal Madeiras that possess the to 20 years old. The remaining 15% is very old Tinta magical qualities of great Vintage Madeira. The difficul- T H E Negra Mole, 40 to 60 years of age, which gives the ty of such a task was great, and, in fact, it took four years wines much of their aged vintage character. to perfect the blends. But finally in 2002, the first two wines in the series—New York Malmsey and Boston Each wine is amed for an American seaport where Bual—were released. And over the next nine years, three Madeira was popular in the 18th and 19th centuries. more wines were created: Charleston Sercial, Savannah The labels feature early engravings and historic infor- Verdelho and Baltimore Rainwater. The market recep- mation, further evoking a sense of Madeira’s towering tion has been extraordinary. importance in American history. VINEYARD INFORMATION WINEMAKING NOTES extended aging in wood. With many different sources for the Most inexpensive young blends Soils: Volcanic, on steep, terraced wine, one can only generalize about are typically heated for 3 months hillsides. the winemaking. (a process called “estufagem”), to Vineyards: A range of historic sites Historically, the grapes were approximate the effects of age. But along the island’s coast. pressed in or near the vineyards, the best Madeiras, including those Composition: Each RWC wine is and the juice transported to the in the Historic Series, have spent made primarily from its stated producers’ lodges in Funchal. The years or decades in large barrels of variety, with 15 percent very old fermentations were stopped at the various sizes, subject to substantial Tinta Negra Mole. Residual sug- desired point with the addition of yearly swings in temperature (a ars range from around 50g/l for grape or sugar cane spirit. method called “canteiro”). This the Sercial, to just over 100g/l for Oak Aging: The critical process time is what gives the wines their the Malmsey. for making great Madeira is unique personalities. CHARLESTON SERCIAL SAVANNAH VERDELHO BOSTON BUAL NEW YORK MALMSEY BALTIMORE RAINWATER The driest of the Series, Lightly sweet with zesty This elegant Bual shows This wine has the deep In 19th-century America, this Sercial shows the acidity for freshness. The the classic notes of citrus color and classic toffee and Rainwater Madeiras were characteristic strong acidi- finish sharpens orange peel and cinnamon. Its caramel notes that make considered he ultimate in ty and nutty flavors that zest, buttery shortbread, moderate sweetness, com- Malmsey a favorite among delicacy and refinement. have always marked great and subtle milk chocolate bined with good acidity, Madeira lovers. A perfect Baltimore Rainwater recre- vintage Sercial. Superb as into a refreshing blend of makes it not only a won- wine with which to finish a ates that classic style, in a an aperitif or with the spiciness and citrus derful after-dinner wine, meal, and is fabulous with pale-colored Madeira of lit- soup and cheese courses. sweetness. but versatile for dessert rich desserts, including tle sweetness and great ele- pairing. chocolate. gance. 280 Valley Drive • Brisbane, CA 94005 • 1-415-319-9000 • Copyright 2017 The Rare Wine Co..