Blandy's Madeira: Two Centuries of Tradition
The story of Blandy's Madeira is one of resilience, tradition, and an unwavering commitment to quality. This iconic wine producer stands out as the only family among the original founders of the Madeira wine trade that still owns and manages their original company. The Blandy family has been a cornerstone of the Madeira wine industry since 1811, nurturing a legacy that spans over two centuries.
The Journey Begins: Arrival on Madeira Island
In 1808, John Blandy set foot on the picturesque Madeira Island, a small Portuguese territory off the coast of Morocco. Three years later, in 1811, he established his wine shipping and general trading business alongside his brothers, Thomas and George. This marked the beginning of Blandy's Madeira, a venture that would soon become synonymous with exceptional fortified wine.
Establishing Blandy's Wine Lodges
Over the following two decades, John Blandy's dedication led to the acquisition of several small properties on the island. By 1824, these efforts resulted in the establishment of Blandy's Wine Lodge, a testament to their lasting commitment to Madeira wine production.
Overcoming Adversity: The Oidium Plague
In 1852, the island was struck by the catastrophic oidium plague, threatening the very existence of its vineyards. Charles Blandy, demonstrating remarkable foresight, secured a significant portion of the island's old wine stocks, ensuring the survival and future prosperity of the company.
Expanding Horizons: The Madeira Wine Association
To enhance their global reach and operational efficiency, Blandy's joined the Madeira Wine Association in 1925. This strategic alliance, now known as the Madeira Wine Company, played a crucial role in solidifying Blandy's position in the international wine market.
A Partnership for Success: Symington Collaboration
In 1989, Blandy's formed a partnership with the Symington family, renowned Port producers from Oporto. This collaboration has proven to be mutually beneficial, fostering innovation and reinforcing Blandy's status as a leader in the Madeira wine industry.
Innovation in Tradition: The Colheita Category
The turn of the millennium saw Blandy's introduce a groundbreaking category of premium Madeira wine. The "Colheita" or "Harvest" wines, starting with the Blandy's Malmsey 1994 Harvest, brought high-quality, single-year Madeira wines to a broader audience at a competitive price point.
Continuing the Legacy: Modern Day Leadership
Today, Chris Blandy manages the company, continuing the family's long-standing tradition of excellence. Under his leadership, Blandy's remains at the forefront of the effort to reestablish Madeira as one of the world's premier wines.
The Art of Winemaking and Ageing
Madeira is a fortified wine, produced and bottled exclusively on Madeira Island. It is crafted from specific grape varieties and aged using a unique heating system, a technique that has been passed down through generations. This process results in a virtually indestructible wine, with each varietal representing one of the four classic styles of Madeira: dry, medium-dry, medium-rich, and rich.
Celebrating Excellence: Francisco Albuquerque
Blandy's enologist and wine director, Francisco Albuquerque, has been instrumental in maintaining the company's high standards. He has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition award for "Wine Maker of the Year for Fortified Wines" in 2006, 2007, and 2008, as well as the "Len Evans Trophy" in 2007. His contributions have been pivotal in Blandy's continued success.
The Legacy Lives On
The Blandy family's dedication to their craft is evident in every bottle of Madeira wine they produce. From its humble beginnings in the early 19th century to its current status as a globally recognized wine producer, Blandy's Madeira embodies the perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and unwavering quality. As they continue to lead the way, the Blandy family ensures that the rich legacy of Madeira wine will thrive for generations to come.