Miles 10 year old Tinta Negra Seco Dry Madeira Wine Portugal 75 cl 19%

On Madeira's steep slopes, Tinta Negra grows on pergolas two metres above the ground. The wine then rests in old oak casks in rooms where the island's own warmth does the work. Ten years on average go into what ends up in the glass: a pale, dry Madeira with nuts, citrus and a fresh, long finish.

Expert Description

Miles Tinta Negra 10 Years Old Dry is a Fortified Wine from Madeira, Portugal, made from Tinta Negra with an alcohol content of 19%. It is non-vintage: a blend of five or six lots of wine, put together so the average age comes out at ten years.

Miles is one of Madeira's old names. The house traces its roots back to 1814, when it was called Rutherford & Grant, while the label says 1878. Today Miles belongs to Madeira Wine Company, the Blandy family's firm.

Tinta Negra arrived on the island in the 1700s and spread for real after the phylloxera outbreak of 1872. It is now the most planted grape on Madeira. According to the producer, the grapes for this wine come from Estreito de Câmara de Lobos on the south side and São Vicente in the north.

The wine ferments on the skins with natural yeast at 16-18 degrees in temperature-controlled steel tanks. After about eight days, grape spirit is added, which stops the fermentation. It then moves into old American oak casks and matures by the traditional canteiro method in Funchal. Seco means dry, but the producer states around 45 grams of residual sugar per litre, and the fresh acidity keeps it tasting dry. The bottle is filled when the wine is ready to drink.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Roasted cashews, caramel and orange peel against a woody backdrop. Nutty, but light with it.

Palate

Dry and fresh with citrus, dried fruit and a hint of toffee. Soft in the mouth, with peanut and vanilla in the background.

Finish

Long, nutty and fresh. The acidity keeps it going to the last sip.

Serving & Food Pairing

Serve it lightly chilled in a small wine glass. It does not need decanting. It is made as an aperitif, so bring it out before the food rather than after. Try it with salted nuts, sushi, fish or duck pie. The producer also points to heavily spiced meat and, quite unpretentiously, a burger. It also makes a good gift for a friend who loves a dry aperitif.

Specifications

Name: Miles Tinta Negra 10 Years Old Dry
Producer/Winery: Miles Madeira
Region/Country: Madeira, Portugal
Appellation/Classification: Madeira
Grape variety: Tinta Negra
Vintage: Non-vintage (NV)
ABV: 19%
Size: 75 CL
Oak-aged: Old American oak casks, canteiro method
Serving temperature: Lightly chilled
Decanting recommended: No
EAN no.: 5600455050039

Flavour Profile

Dry · Nutty · Fresh · Citrus · Lightly fruity

Did you know?

Tinta Negra is a red grape, but the wine in your glass is a pale topaz with a golden rim. So don't let the name of the grape fool you.

See our full range of Miles Madeira

Frequently asked questions about Miles Tinta Negra 10 Years Old Dry

Is Miles Tinta Negra 10 Years Old Dry sweet or dry?

It is dry. The label says Seco, and the fresh acidity and citrus give a dry impression. The producer does state around 45 grams of residual sugar per litre, so it is a little softer than a bone-dry sherry.

What does 10 Years Old mean on a Madeira?

It is an average age. Miles blends five or six lots of wine so the blend as a whole matches ten years. The lots mature in old American oak casks by the canteiro method, where the island's natural warmth does part of the work.

Is it smoky, sweet or too strong?

It is not smoky. You get nuts, citrus and a little dried fruit, and the acidity makes it fresh rather than heavy. The alcohol is high, as with all Madeira, but it does not feel sharp.

How do I serve it, and should it be decanted?

Serve it lightly chilled in a small wine glass. It does not need decanting. After opening it keeps for several months according to the producer, so you don't have to finish the bottle in one evening.

What does it go with?

Try it with salted nuts, sushi, fish, duck pie or spicy meat. If you are looking for a recipe with Miles Madeira in it, we have a saltimbocca with Miles Rainwater Madeira.

What is the difference between Dry and Rich from Miles?

Dry is pale topaz and dry, with nuts and citrus. Rich is deep chestnut and sweet, with dried fruit, honey and spice. To compare the styles, see our full range of Madeira wine.

Who is behind Miles Madeira?

Miles belongs to Madeira Wine Company and goes back to 1814, when the house was called Rutherford & Grant. The label shows 1878. Miles makes almost everything from Tinta Negra, the most planted grape on the island.