Variety - Sercial
Winemaker - Francisco Albuquerque
Appellation - Madeira, Portugal
Vineyard - Various quality vineyards at Porto Moniz, Seixal and Câmara de Lobos at altitudes of up to 500m.
Alcohol - 19%
Case Production - N/A
Vinification and Elevage - Blandy's 5 year old dry Sercial underwent fermentation off the skins with natural yeast at temperatures between 18°C - 21°C in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. After approximately 5-6 days, fortification with grape brandy takes place, arresting fermentation at the desired degree of sweetness. MATURATION Blandy's 5 year old Sercial was aged in American oak casks in the traditional 'Canteiro' system. This comprises of the gentle heating of the wine in the lofts of the lodges in Funchal. Over the years the wine is transferred from the top floors to the middle floors and eventually to the ground floor where it is cooler. After this gradual 'estufagem' the wine underwent racking and fining before the blend was assembled and bottled.
Sercial is the name of a white grape grown in Portugal, especially on the island of Madeira. It has given name to the dryest of the four classic varieties of Madeira fortified wine. Sercial is the lightest, most acidic and delicate expression of Madeira that takes the longest to mature.
