Sipping Your Way Through December—Day 6

Broadbent Colheita 2000 Boal Single Cask Madeira ($110)

Madeira isn’t just a dusty bottle from your grandparents’ cabinet! It’s one of the world’s most fascinating, under-the-radar wines. And today’s pick, Broadbent Colheita 2000 Boal Single Cask, is a perfect entry point into what makes it so special.

Madeira comes from a tiny, Portuguese island with a dramatic landscape—think steep terraced vineyards carved into volcanic cliffs, subtropical breezes, and ocean views in every direction. Despite having only about 1,000 acres of vines, the island has shaped wine history in outsized ways.

Fun fact: The Founding Fathers of America toasted the Declaration of Independence with Madeira.

And these wines sure are resilient. Early shipping routes exposed barrels to heat, humidity, and rough seas, and instead of spoiling, the wines ended up tasting even better. That discovery became a defining technique. Today, Madeira is deliberately aged in warm conditions, traditionally in sun-filled attics or in more modern-style heated tanks, to develop its signature depth, nuttiness, and vibrant acidity.

And don’t think all Madeira is sweet. It comes in distinct styles, each tied to a grape variety. Sercial is bone-dry and citrusy; Verdelho is smoky and mid-weight; Boal (or Bual) delivers a plush, medium-sweet profile; and Malmsey is the richest and most indulgent.

The Broadbent 2000 Boal Single Cask sits in that “just right” sweet spot, offering caramel, baked citrus, nuttiness, warm spice, and a brightness that keeps every sip lively. It’s decadent without ever feeling heavy, and this single-cask bottling, meaning not blended, gives it a unique, nuanced flavor profile.

If you’ve been curious about Madeira, or haven’t tasted it in years, this is a great place to start. A glass of Boal next to holiday cheeses and desserts (or simply on its own) shows exactly why this wine has crossed oceans, survived centuries, and still feels every bit as thrilling today.

Note: Madeira is practically indestructible. You can keep a bottle open for months without it going bad since oxidation is part of what makes it great.