Blandy's Duke of Clarence Rich Madeira

John Blandy first set foot on Madeira in 1808 to work in the accounting office of Newton, Gordon, Murdoch, wine merchants. In 1811 he established his own company. Today, under Chris Blandy, the family continue to own and operate the Madeira Wine Company, preserving a tradition that has lasted for over 200 years and through seven generations.

Blandys are unique in being the only founding member of the Madeira wine trade to still own and manage their original wine company. Under the Madeira Wine Company, they own a collection of leading Madeira houses including Blandy’s, Leacock’s, Cossart Gordon, Miles and a range of still wines produced under their Atlantis brand. Today the company is the most awarded Madeira producer with a total 76 gold medals, 116 silver medals and 21 trophies to their name. Three of these trophies were awarded to their winemaker Francisco Albuquerque by the IWSC for “Fortified Wine Maker of the Year”. An incredible achievement and confirmation of the family’s position as the leading Madeira producer and its pivotal role in reestablishing Madeira as one of the world’s great wines.

Tinta Negra Mole,

Duke of Clarence is a 3 year old rich style of madeira produced using Tinta Negra, the islands only red grape variety. Depending on the altitude, humidity, region and solar exposure, the grapes can deliver richer or drier wines. This varietal is diverse enough to be able to represent any one of the 4 styles of Madeira. Made using the ‘Estufagem’ system which at Blandy’s means the wines are heated in stainless steel tanks with externally heated water jackets (as opposed to the internally coil heated concrete vats) to produce a soft, caramel style.

This is the richest style of Madeira, full bodied, soft textured and is a superb accompaniment to dessert dishes, especially fruitcakes, chocolate puddings and soft cheese, but also a splendid after-dinner drink.