D'Oliveiras, Sercial 1989 Chenin Blanc and the Riverland ain't exactly

and the Riverland ain't exactly the sexiest place to grow grapes

Fascinatingly complex with a light Christmas pudding nose of dried fruits

The luxurious amber colour of the Vermouth Classico Tradizionale is reminiscent of Marsala and the aromas on the nose fluctuate between hints of the liquorice and bitterness in absinthe

The palate is honeyed with cooked apple and agave

the vapour-infused distilling method steams the neutral base spirit through eight botanicals and is then bottled at 45% ABV

D'Oliveiras, Sercial 1989 Chenin Blanc and the Riverland ain't exactlyClassic electric Sercial acidity gives a (in Madeira terms) dry impression. Nutty, raisiny and extremely complex, this is fruitier and more 'youthful' than some examples.