Henriques and Henriques Madeira, 1878 Madeira Wine
Sercial Solera 1878, Madeira
Bottle size: 75cl
ABV: 20%
Price:
£895.00
Description
The Henriques & Henriques Sercial Solera 1878 is an extraordinary Madeira, representing nearly a century and a half of history in liquid form. Sercial, the driest and most ethereal of Madeira styles, is celebrated for its piercing acidity, citrus-driven aromatics, and remarkable ability to age indefinitely. In the solera system, a portion of the original 1878 wine would have been carefully refreshed over the decades with younger Sercial, creating a continuous thread of the original vintage’s character while layering in complexity from generations of ageing in seasoned oak casks. This bottling is both a rare collector’s treasure and a testament to Madeira’s unique tradition of slow, oxidative maturation.
In the glass, it would display a glowing deep amber-gold core with flashes of green at the rim—classic hallmarks of long-aged Sercial. The bouquet is incredibly lifted and complex, offering aromas of candied lemon peel, salted almonds, and Seville orange, alongside hints of chamomile, iodine, and warm spice. Subtle undertones of sea breeze salinity and polished wood speak to both the Atlantic influence and the wine’s extended cask ageing.
On the palate, the 1878 Sercial Solera is dry, vibrant, and electric, with a racy acidity that cuts through layers of preserved citrus, quince, and green walnut. Savoury notes of toasted hazelnut, saline minerality, and gentle spice add depth, while a whisper of honeyed richness lingers in the background. The finish is incredibly long, leaving the palate refreshed yet resonating with citrus zest, almond, and subtle oxidative complexity for minutes after each sip.
This is a wine to savour slowly and with reverence, best served slightly chilled in a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate its aromatics and sharpen its palate precision. It is superb as an aperitif with salted Marcona almonds, oysters, or Iberico ham, but can just as easily be enjoyed alone in quiet contemplation. The Henriques & Henriques Sercial Solera 1878 is far more than just a drink—it is a living piece of Madeira’s winemaking heritage, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to taste over a century of craftsmanship in every drop.
Condition
Stopper corks. Slightly bin-soiled labels. Levels base of neck
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