Leacock’s Colheita Tinta Negra
WHY WE LOVE IT
- Tinta Negra is a dark skinned grape native to the Iberian Peninsula. It rose to prominence in the wake of the phylloxera epidemic of the 1860s; with the traditional Madeira vines being perilously close to extinction.
- This wine is filtered and does not require decanting.
Varietal Composition: Tinta Negra
Elaboration: Leacock’s Colheita Tinta Negra 2001 is a single harvest Madeira. This wine was aged for 16 years in seasoned American oak casks in the traditional ‘Canteiro’ system, whereby the casks were gradually transferred from the top floors of the lodge, where it is naturally warmer, to the middle floors and eventually to the ground floor where it is cooler. This process gives Madeira its unique flavor and incredible longevity. The wine was regularly racked and when it reached the desired stage of maturity it was bottled.
Tasting Notes: A bouquet of honey, dried oranges and prunes followed by a rich, luscious mouthfeel balanced with great acidity makes this wine a perfect after dinner drink.
PRESS
2001 – 92 Wine Spectator
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
The heritage of Leacock’s Madeira goes back to John Leacock who sailed to Madeira from the UK in 1741 at the age of 15. He served an apprenticeship with a company of merchants for eight years when he affiliated himself with an old school friend in Charlestown, South Carolina. This was the beginning of Leacock’s Madeira Wine.
The overall climate on Madeira is sub-tropical and temperate with seven distinct micro-climates. The fertile volcanic soils are acidic allowing Madeira wine to remain fresh even after many years in the bottle. Irrigation is provided by an ancient system of canals called “levadas” that bring water from the mountains.