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Blandys 1976 Verdelho Vintage Madeira 37.5cl Half Bottle – Rare 50-Year-Old Vintage Madeira – Born in 1976
Blandys 1976 Verdelho Vintage Madeira 37.5cl Half Bottle 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 – Delivery can take 7 days or more. Please telephone 01329 822733 or email for availability.
Heritage: Over 200 Years of Blandy’s Madeira Excellence
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.
The Madeira Wine Company Partnership
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.
Traditional Canteiro Ageing Method
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.
Understanding Madeira Styles and Grape Varieties
Traditionally, Madeira wines vary in style and sweetness depending on the grape variety used:
Madeira is a complex, interesting wine and is made in virtually every vintage. Due to the unique “estufagem” process Madeira improves for days after opening and will also keep, once opened, for a month or more in a decanter.
Blandys 1976 Verdelho Vintage Madeira presented in a 37.5cl Half Bottle.
Also available in 1.5 Litre Magnums.
Serve slightly chilled (10-12°C) or at room temperature in small pours. Pairs superbly with blue cheese, nuts, foie gras, or enjoy as a meditative solo 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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