Blandy's Madeira: Two Centuries of Tradition
Blandy's Madeira is known for its resilience, tradition, and commitment to quality. It's the only family among the original founders of the Madeira wine trade that still owns and runs their original company. The Blandy family has been a key part of the Madeira wine industry since 1811, building a legacy that spans over 200 years.
The Beginning: Arrival on Madeira Island
In 1808, John Blandy arrived on Madeira Island, a small Portuguese territory off the coast of Morocco. In 1811, he started a wine shipping and trading business with his brothers, Thomas and George. This was the start of Blandy's Madeira, which soon became known for its excellent fortified wine.
Building Blandy's Wine Lodges
Over the next 20 years, John Blandy bought several small properties on the island. By 1824, these efforts led to the creation of Blandy's Wine Lodge, showing their lasting commitment to Madeira wine.
Facing Challenges: The Oidium Plague
In 1852, the island was hit by the oidium plague, which threatened its vineyards. Charles Blandy wisely secured a large portion of the island's old wine stocks, ensuring the company's survival and future success.
Growing: The Madeira Wine Association
To expand their global reach, Blandy's joined the Madeira Wine Association in 1925. This alliance, now called the Madeira Wine Company, helped strengthen Blandy's position in the international wine market.
Successful Partnership: Symington Collaboration
In 1989, Blandy's partnered with the Symington family, famous Port producers from Oporto. This partnership has been beneficial, encouraging innovation and reinforcing Blandy's leadership in the Madeira wine industry.
Innovating: The Colheita Category
Around the year 2000, Blandy's introduced a new category of premium Madeira wine called "Colheita" or "Harvest" wines. Starting with the Blandy's Malmsey 1994 Harvest, these high-quality, single-year wines became available at competitive prices.
Continuing the Legacy: Modern Leadership
Today, Chris Blandy manages the company, continuing the family's tradition of excellence. Under his leadership, Blandy's remains a leader in the effort to reestablish Madeira as one of the world's top wines.
The Art of Winemaking and Aging
Madeira is a fortified wine made and bottled only on Madeira Island. It's crafted from specific grape varieties and aged using a unique heating system, a technique passed down through generations. This process creates a nearly indestructible wine, with each type representing one of the four classic styles of Madeira: dry, medium-dry, medium-rich, and rich.
Celebrating Excellence: Francisco Albuquerque
Blandy's wine director, Francisco Albuquerque, has been crucial in maintaining the company's high standards. He has won many awards, including "Wine Maker of the Year for Fortified Wines" in 2006, 2007, and 2008, and the "Len Evans Trophy" in 2007. His contributions have been key to Blandy's success.
The Legacy Continues
The Blandy family's dedication is evident in every bottle of Madeira wine they produce. From its beginnings in the early 19th century to its current status as a globally recognized wine producer, Blandy's Madeira represents the perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and quality. The Blandy family ensures that the rich legacy of Madeira wine will continue for generations to come.