1 in stock (can be backordered)
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Blandy’s 1976 Bual Vintage Madeira 75cl is a rare, special-order item available in extremely limited quantities—making it an exceptional and thoughtful 50th birthday present in 2026. This vintage, harvested in 1976, will turn 50 years old this year, perfect for celebrating anyone born in that milestone year! Buy now at Fareham Wine Cellar.
For over two centuries, Blandy’s Madeira has been synonymous with quality Madeira wine. The Blandy family has played a leading role in the development of Madeira wine throughout its long history, with members of the family continuing to maintain a tradition of wine-making dating back to 1811.
In 1989, to further expand the global market for Madeira, the Blandys approached another renowned Anglo-Portuguese family, the Symingtons (owners of celebrated Port houses such as Dow, Warre, Graham, and Cockburn), and offered them a partnership in the newly formed Madeira Wine Company (MWC).
This partnership continues today, and in 2011, the Blandys and Symingtons signed an agreement giving the Blandy family control of the MWC, with the Symingtons retaining a minority shareholding. Michael and Chris Blandy, 6th and 7th-generation family members, currently work in the company, upholding a tradition spanning over 200 years.
This style of Madeira undergoes maturation in seasoned American oak casks using the traditional “Canteiro” system. In this method, the casks are gradually transferred from the top floors of the wine lodges, where it is naturally warmer, to the middle and eventually ground floors, where it is cooler, during the ageing process.
The Canteiro method is reserved for the highest quality Madeira, as these wines are aged without the use of artificial heat, relying solely on the warmth of the sun. The Madeira wine is regularly racked and bottled once it reaches the desired stage of maturity, with vintage Madeiras displaying both the bottling date and the vintage (harvest year) on the label. All vintage Madeiras are bottled under the supervision of the Madeira Wine Institute.
Traditionally, Madeira wines vary in style and sweetness depending on the grape variety used:
Available in Different Bottle Sizes
Blandy’s 1976 Bual Vintage Madeira is presented in a standard 75cl bottle
Also available in:
Serve Blandys 1976 Bual Vintage Madeira slightly chilled or at room temperature in small pours to savour its complexity. Pair with blue cheese, nuts, dried fruits, chocolate desserts or enjoy solo as a meditative sip. A timeless, celebratory gem ideal for a 50th birthday milestone!
What Is Madeira Wine?
Madeira is a fortified wine produced in the Portuguese Madeira Islands. Due to its unique vinification process, which involves heating the wine in special warehouses, Madeira is one of the world’s longest-lived wines. Vintage Madeira makes for an exceptional birthday or anniversary gift.
What does “Bual” mean?
Bual (which is sometimes spelled as Boal) is one of the noble grape varieties used to make Madeira wine. It produces a medium-rich style that’s sweeter than Verdelho but drier than Malmsey, with characteristic notes of dried fruits, nuts, and caramel.
Will this wine improve with age?
This Madeira has already been aged for 50 years and is ready to drink now. Having said that, Madeira is virtually indestructible and can continue to evolve for decades or even centuries.
How long does vintage Madeira keep once opened?
Due to the unique vinification process, Madeira improves for days after opening and can be kept, once opened, for a month or more in a decanter.
Does Vintage Madeira require decanting?
Decanting is not necessary, though older vintage Madeiras may throw some sediment. If sediment is present, careful decanting can help.
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