 |
All rights reserved by Madeira Islands Tourism
|
Wine and cheese make a great combination for a party as well
as being a traditional way to finish a meal, but finding a single wine to
accompany an array of textures, different types of milk and stages of ripeness
can be extremely challenging.
Ahmet Ucar, sommelier at Bovey Castle, a five-star hotel set
within the spectacular Dartmoor National Park in Devon explained to me that
even the headiest wines find their aromas countered by the challenge of cheese.
So, if your cheese board consists of a creamy and
strong camembert, a Swiss gruyère, a fresh goat's cheese or a mature
tomme, what should you serve? According to Ahmet there is a solution: Madeira.
“The typical caramel, nutty character of these wines it obtained through a specific heating process, followed by a long-ageing in oak barrels. It ranges in style from dry to sweet, but always with nuttiness, and spice,” he said.
“The typical caramel, nutty character of these wines it obtained through a specific heating process, followed by a long-ageing in oak barrels. It ranges in style from dry to sweet, but always with nuttiness, and spice,” he said.
 |
All rights reserved by Madeira Islands Tourism
|
This conversation sprang to mind when I was recently
enjoying the therapeutic benefits of the beautiful island of Madeira. As well
as getting up close and personal with nature, going for invigorating walks
along the sea front and relaxing in its wonderful spas (See my post on
Madeira http://allabouthairuk.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/destination-madeira.html
) a visit to Blandy’s Wine Lodge, bang in the centre of Funchal, the capital
was on my must-do list.
Blandy’s has been producing Madeira wines for over 200 years, so it should know a thing or two about the tipple. The Blandys are the only family of all the original founders of the Madeira wine trade still to own and manage their original wine company.
After walking round the museum picking up some historical
facts from our extremely knowledgeable guide, watching videos and learning
about the production, we got to taste different types fluctuating from dry to
full and rich. I have to admit I am not usually a fan of fortified wine, but
these won me over.
A piece of good quality chocolate and a glass of Madeira are
also a winning combination. This explosion of flavours will invigorate your
taste buds!
Once, reputedly, a favourite drink of the Founding Fathers
of America – Thomas Jefferson is said to have used it to toast the Declaration
of Independence – Madeira wine is back in fashion. And, it is well worth going
to taste it on the island where it is made because like the wines it produces,
Madeira is very special.
By Daralyn Danns
Getting to Madeira
TAP Portugal has a daily flight from London Heathrow to
Madeira. Prices start at £169 return including all taxes. For further
information, visit www.flytap.com or call 0845 601 0932
Stay at Quintinha São João Hotel, Rua da Levada de São João,
Rooms from €96 per night. For more info visit www.quintinhasaojoao.com
For information about tours of Blandy’s Wine Lodge visit
www.blandyswinelodge.com
To learn more about Madeira visit www.visitportugal.com and
www.visitmadeira.pt
