NV RWC Historic Series, Baltimore Rainwater Special Reserve Madeira 750ml

Rainwater is a style of Madeira rather than a variety, and it stands alone among the five core bottlings in that regard. Rainwater was the most prestigious style of Madeira in 18^th and 19^th century America. It took its name from its pale color and delicate texture and flavor. Rainwater reached its pinnacle of prestige in Baltimore, home to many of the country’s greatest Madeira connoisseurs.

Since 2002, The Rare Wine Co. Historic Series Madeiras have been made for us by Barbeito’s Ricardo Freitas. Ricardo’s famous skills as a blender, and his extensive library of cask-aged Madeiras, are the keys to the wines’ “vintage character” style.

The core wines are named after eastern seaports that were once among the world’s centers of Madeira appreciation. Each wine in the series evokes a style of Madeira popular in that city 150 to 200 years ago.

Beginning in 2007, the Historic Series was expanded to honor great Americans and institutions with a strong connection to Madeira. Among the honorees have been George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, the City of New Orleans, Benjamin Franklin and Philadelphia’s Library Company, the nation’s earliest lending library.