The Rare Wine Co. Baltimore Rainwater Madeira

CRITICAL ACCLAIM:

"The latest release of the NV Baltimore Rainwater (Rare Wine Company) is showing well, mingling aromas of ripe peach, candle wax and dried fruits with hints of walnuts. Medium to full-bodied, ample and enveloping, it's fleshy and elegantly satiny, with a lively core of fruit, nicely integrated sweetness and a nicely defined finish. This bottling, based on young Verdelho, is crafted to evoke the Rainwater Madeiras of the 19th century—wines that were especially prized in the city of Baltimore." - 91 PTS., WINE ADVOCATE

“Lush and spicy, with plenty of buttery notes to the open-textured flavors of chamomile, ripe pear and dried apple. The opulent finish features hollandaise sauce accents. Drink now through 2050.” - 91 PTS., WINE SPECTATOR

IMPORTER NOTES:

OVERVIEW: “Rainwater is a style of Madeira rather than a variety, and it stands alone among the five core bottlings in that regard. Rainwater was the most prestigious style of Madeira in 18th and 19th century America. It took its name from its pale color and delicate texture and flavor. Rainwater reached its pinnacle of prestige in Baltimore, home to many of the country’s greatest Madeira connoisseurs.”

WINEMAKING: “Ricardo selects components with lighter colors and textures, and blends them to achieve a bracing style with ~50g/l sugar and over 7.5g/l total acidity.”

COMPOSITION: “A blend of Verdelho from São Vincente and Prazeres, and Sercial from Jardim da Serra. Rainwater takes its name from its pale colar and delicate texture and flavor.”