d’Oliveira Boal 1908 750ml

Bottled in 2008, the 1908 Boal Reserva is just as saturated in color and concentrated in flavor as one would expect, offering up complex aromas of figs, walnuts, warm spices, beeswax and pitch. Full-bodied, dense and muscular, it’s searingly intense, with huge depth, sapidity and extract; but after a century in wood and demijohn, this is more of a wine reduction than a wine itself, and just like some of the most hyper-concentrated wines of Jerez, this is easier to sip than it is to drink.

• Country: Portugal
• Region: Madeira
• Size: 750ml

Varietal

Boal

Boal (or Bual in English) is a white grape variety best known for its role in Madeira wine, where it produces a medium-sweet, richly textured fortified wine. Grown primarily on the island of Madeira, Boal thrives in the warmer, lower-altitude vineyards, allowing it to develop its signature balance of sweetness and acidity.

What makes Boal unique is its complex flavor profile and exceptional aging potential. As a medium-sweet Madeira, it sits between Verdelho (drier) and Malmsey (sweeter) in style. Boal Madeira is characterized by caramelized citrus, dried fruit, nuts, spice, and toffee notes, with bright acidity that prevents it from feeling overly heavy. The canteiro aging process, where barrels mature in warm conditions, enhances its oxidative, nutty complexity.

Boal Madeira pairs beautifully with nut-based desserts, fruit tarts, and blue cheese, offering a luxurious and layered drinking experience. Its balance of sweetness, acidity, and depth makes it one of Madeira’s most beloved styles.