Miles Rainwater Madeira

Miles Rainwater Madeira is a type of Madeira wine known for its lighter and slightly sweeter profile compared to other styles of Madeira. Here are some detailed insights about this wine:

Key Characteristics
Style: Rainwater Madeira (medium dry)
Variety: Primarily made from the Tinta Negra grape, though other varieties can be used.

Tasting Notes
Color: Light amber
Nose: Aromas of nuts, dried fruits like apricots and raisins, with hints of citrus and vanilla.
Palate: Light to medium-bodied, with flavors of caramel, dried fruits, toasted nuts, and a subtle hint of citrus zest. The wine has a well-balanced acidity that provides a clean and refreshing finish.
Finish: Smooth and slightly dry, with lingering notes of nuts and caramel.

Pairing Suggestions
Cheese: Soft cheeses such as Brie or Camembert, as well as mild blue cheeses.
Desserts: Almond cake, lemon tart, or light fruit desserts.
Savory: Great as an aperitif or with light appetizers like smoked salmon, prosciutto, or pate.

Serving Recommendations
Temperature: Serve slightly chilled, around 10-12°C (50-54°F).
Glassware: Use a small to medium-sized glass to concentrate the aromas.
Storage

Cellaring: This Madeira can be enjoyed immediately and does not require long-term cellaring. However, it can still age well for a few years.
After Opening: Once opened, it can last for several weeks if stored properly in a cool, dark place with the bottle tightly sealed.

Background
Rainwater Madeira is a traditional style of Madeira that is lighter and more approachable than some of the richer, more concentrated styles. It is said to have originated when barrels of Madeira were left out in the rain, which diluted the wine slightly and created a lighter style that became popular, especially in the United States.

MILES MADEIRA WINE
ONE OF THE BEST KNOWN AND MOST RESPECTED BRANDS IN THE WORLD
Established in 1814 on Madeira Island, and known originally as Rutherford and Grant, Miles Madeira is one of the oldest and most respected brands of Madeira wine world-wide.

In 1856 Henry Price Miles left Wales with his Mother as an infant and arrived on Madeira. Having worked as an apprentice since the age of 12 under the tutelage of James Rutherford, he acquired sound knowledge and experience of the workings of the Madeira trade.

In 1872, the Rutherfords left for London (due to Phylloxera which decimated most of the vineyards in Madeira) and started up a wine importing business at the Old Trinity House in Waterlane. This prompted Miles to purchase the company and stocks.

Latterly, Henry Price Miles made an gentleman’s agreement with Rutherford stating that any Madeira sold by them in the United Kingdom, Scandinavia, or Russia, would be bought through H. P. Miles and Co. This agreement was respected and carried out until the Rutherfords sold their firm: Rutherfords, Osborne and Perkins, to Martini Rossi in the 1960’s.

Alongside the production of wine, H. P. Miles founded the first Madeiran Brewery in 1872 called the “Atlantic Brewery”. It was through these two companies that Henry Price and his two sons, Henry Alfred and Charles Vaughan, created the Miles legacy on the Island.

After the end of The second World war, conditions in the wine trade became extremely difficult, and so Henry Alfred Miles’ son, Cecil Miles, negotiated the entry of H. P. Miles and Co. into the Madeira Wine Association.

Miles Madeira is synonymous with excellent Madeira wine and has become one of the best known and most respected brands in the world.