Malvasia Fina

Boal Branco, also called Malvasia Fina, is a Portuguese white grape variety that is mainly grown in the Madeira archipelago and all over the mainland Portugal. Boal Branco is the basis of Dão whites in Portugal. The variety often produces wines that are high in alcohol but lack acidity.

Boal Branco produces medium-sized, yellow-green berries with an average bunch weight of 250-400 g. Its wines are full bodied and have a rich, honeyed flavour with aromas of tropical fruits, nuts, caramel, and spices.

Boal Branco is mainly grown in the Madeira archipelago, particularly on the island of Madeira. It is also widely grown in the Azores and mainland Portugal. Boal Branco is an early-ripening variety that requires careful management for successful cultivation. It has a high resistance to drought and disease, and is particularly well suited to hot Mediterranean climates. The winemaking process for Boal Branco involves controlled fermentation and long ageing in oak barrels. Boal Branco is used to produce a range of styles of fortified wines in Madeira, including dry and sweet styles. In the Azores, it is used to make a range of dry and sweet wines. On the mainland, Boal Branco is used to make dry wines with a rich, intense flavour and often aged in oak. The rich, full-bodied wines made from Boal Branco are ideal for pairing with strongly flavoured dishes such as roasted meats, spicy curries, and aged cheeses. The sweet wines are also an excellent accompaniment to desserts such as fruit tarts and custards.

The Buckingham Palace in England holds more than 25,000 bottles of wine, the oldest being a bottle of Boal dating back to 1815.