Malmsey

Grape Varieties: Malmsey

Vineyards: Quality vineyards including Jardim do Mar at altitudes between 150 – 200m

Vinification: Cossart Gordon 5 year old Malmsey underwent fermentation off the skins with natural yeast at between 18°C - 21°C in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. After approximately 48 hours, fortification with grape brandy takes place, arresting fermentation at the desired degree of sweetness.

Maturation: Cossart Gordon 5 year old Malmsey 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.

Specification: Alcohol: 19% ABV pH: 3.5 Residual Sugar: 110.0 g/l Total Acidity: 6.20 g/l tartaric acid

Serving & Cellarage: Cossart Gordon 5 year old Malmsey is fined and does not require decanting. It is a superb accompaniment to dessert dishes, especially fruit, cakes, rich chocolate puddings and cheeses. It has been bottled when ready for drinking and will keep for several months after opening.

Tasting Notes: Dark, golden brown with characteristic Madeira bouquet of raisins, toffee and nuts. Sweet with a rich, full bodied, honeyed and complex finish and beautifully balanced acidity.

Press Comments:

“Seductive orange peel on the nose that continues on the palate with perfect integration of balanced sweetness and nut characters. Lovely persistent finish.”
Wine, November 2000

Awards:

Bronze Medal – IWC 2003
Silver Medal – IWC 2002 & IWC 2000