Rainwater Madeira is a type of Madeira wine known for its slightly lighter body and subtle sweetness compared to other Madeira styles. The name 'rainwater' originated in the colonial American market in the 18th century, possibly because the wine was diluted with rainwater during its shipment or it may simply reflect its delicately smooth texture, reminiscent of rainwater. This example from Barbeito is a blend of 80% tinta negra and 20% verdelho, and was aged for five years. Try it lightly chilled as an aperitif.
Aromatic bouquet featuring dried fruit, orange blossom, and crystallized fruit. Full-bodied and exceptionally smooth. Finishes long with a fresh, mineral touch.
The four principal varieties of Madeira fortified wine are, from dry to sweet: Sercial, Bual, Verdelho and Malmsey and I like them all but I always turn to Rainwater because it just seems to typify this genre. I have been buying the Barbeito for many years and have never been disappointed.
