An Evening with Justino’s: A Toast to Madeira’s Winemaking Heritage
In the heart of Madeira, where the Atlantic breeze meets centuries-old vineyards, we gathered for an enogastronomic experience centred around the distinguished wines of Justino’s Madeira Wines. Established in 1870, this venerable house has seamlessly blended tradition with innovation, producing wines that encapsulate the island’s rich terroir.
The Legacy and Labels
Justino’s Madeira Wines stands as a testament to the island’s winemaking prowess, renowned for its exceptional fortified wines crafted from noble grape varieties such as Sercial, Verdelho, Boal, Malvasia, and the rare Terrantez. Complementing this is the Colombo brand, offering still wines under the IGP Terras Madeirenses and DOP Madeirense denominations, showcasing the versatility of local grape varieties in producing exquisite whites, rosés, and reds.
Commencing with:
Colombo DOP Reserva Rosé Tinta Negra/Complexa 2022
Our evening commenced with the Colombo DOP Reserva Rosé Tinta Negra/Complexa 2022, a vibrant and gastronomic rosé crafted from the island’s predominant red grape varieties. Exhibiting fresh red fruit notes of raspberry and cherry, complemented by floral hints reminiscent of rose petals, this wine presented a crisp acidity and a subtle saline finish. Served at 10°C, it paired impeccably with local cheeses and toasted bread.
Retail Price: €15
Commencing with:
Colombo DOP Reserva Rosé Tinta Negra/Complexa 2022
Our evening commenced with the Colombo DOP Reserva Rosé Tinta Negra/Complexa 2022, a vibrant and gastronomic rosé crafted from the island’s predominant red grape varieties. Exhibiting fresh red fruit notes of raspberry and cherry, complemented by floral hints reminiscent of rose petals, this wine presented a crisp acidity and a subtle saline finish. Served at 10°C, it paired impeccably with local cheeses and toasted bread.
Retail Price: €15
Exploring with:
Fanal Rainwater 10 Years
Next, we delved into the Fanal Rainwater 10 Years, a recent creation by winemaker Nuno Duarte. This medium-dry Madeira, a blend of Sercial and Tinta Negra, boasts a unique character attributed to its natural development under a veil of flor. With a clean and fresh aroma, balanced acidity, and a touch of sweetness, it harmonised surprisingly well with marinated sardines, elevating the culinary experience.
Retail Price: €22,5
Exploring with:
Fanal Rainwater 10 Years
Next, we delved into the Fanal Rainwater 10 Years, a recent creation by winemaker Nuno Duarte. This medium-dry Madeira, a blend of Sercial and Tinta Negra, boasts a unique character attributed to its natural development under a veil of flor. With a clean and fresh aroma, balanced acidity, and a touch of sweetness, it harmonised surprisingly well with marinated sardines, elevating the culinary experience.
Retail Price: €22,5
Harmony with:
Colombo DOP Reserva Branco Caracol/Listrão 2022
For the main course, choices included a creamy risotto and the iconic scabbard fish fillets with passion fruit. We selected the Colombo DOP Reserva Branco Caracol/Listrão 2022, a white wine hailing from the vineyards of Porto Santo. Notably saline and delicate, it featured subtle notes of stone fruit, orange blossom, and a mineral elegance reminiscent of seaweed. Paired with the passion fruit-infused scabbard fish, the wine’s acidity and freshness accentuated the dish’s lightness and exotic flair.
Retail Price: €20
Harmony with:
Colombo DOP Reserva Branco Caracol/Listrão 2022
For the main course, choices included a creamy risotto and the iconic scabbard fish fillets with passion fruit. We selected the Colombo DOP Reserva Branco Caracol/Listrão 2022, a white wine hailing from the vineyards of Porto Santo. Notably saline and delicate, it featured subtle notes of stone fruit, orange blossom, and a mineral elegance reminiscent of seaweed. Paired with the passion fruit-infused scabbard fish, the wine’s acidity and freshness accentuated the dish’s lightness and exotic flair.
Retail Price: €20
Concluding with:
Justino’s Malvasia Colheita 2008
Dessert brought forth the Justino’s Malvasia Colheita 2008, a medium-sweet wine exuding intense aromas of dried fruit, toffee, and caramel. Its complexity and balance between sweetness and acidity complemented desserts like red fruit cheesecake splendidly.
Retail Price: 45€
Concluding with:
Justino’s Malvasia Colheita 2008
Dessert brought forth the Justino’s Malvasia Colheita 2008, a medium-sweet wine exuding intense aromas of dried fruit, toffee, and caramel. Its complexity and balance between sweetness and acidity complemented desserts like red fruit cheesecake splendidly.
Retail Price: 45€
And:
Single Cask Malvasia Colheita 2007
We concluded with the Justino’s Madeira Single Cask Malvasia Colheita 2007, sourced from a single cask and aged for at least 15 years. This wine, with its concentrated sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity, paired magnificently with Madeira’s traditional honey cake, providing a memorable finale to our evening.
Retail Price: 80€
And:
Single Cask Malvasia Colheita 2007
We concluded with the Justino’s Madeira Single Cask Malvasia Colheita 2007, sourced from a single cask and aged for at least 15 years. This wine, with its concentrated sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity, paired magnificently with Madeira’s traditional honey cake, providing a memorable finale to our evening.
Retail Price: 80€
Where to Find
Justino’s wines are available in specialised wine shops and online retailers. For a comprehensive experience, visiting the Justino’s winery in Madeira offers insights into their storied history and meticulous production processes.
For more information, visit the official website: Justino’s Madeira Wines
