Henriques & Henriques Terrantez 20 YO NV

Henriques & Henriques Terrantez 20 YO is a rare varietal madeira made from a grape that was very nearly lost to the island altogether.

Terrantez was introduced to Madeira in the late seventeenth century and by the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries was widely held to produce the island's greatest wines, sitting in style between the drier Verdelho and the richer Bual. The oidium outbreak of 1852 destroyed most of the plantings and phylloxera accounted for the rest, and the variety is now practically extinct: it yields poorly and is highly susceptible to rot and mildew in Madeira's humid climate, which has frustrated attempts at revival. Henriques & Henriques, based at Câmara de Lobos and one of the island's most substantial vineyard owners, farm several tiny parcels of Terrantez and are recognised as leading producers of the variety. The wine is fortified, then aged in cask for a minimum of twenty years, developing the oxidative, high-acid, faintly bitter finish that is the variety's signature.

Madeira of this age is effectively indestructible and an opened bottle will keep for months. Serve it lightly chilled at around 14°C with almonds, aged cheese, or a bolo de mel.

*Every effort is made to ensure the current vintage is accurate; however, variations can occur. If you are after a specific vintage, please contact us prior to ordering.