Just received a non bar coded bottle of rainwater madeira wine, f.f. ferraz and co. Can you tell me anything about it? Thanks
Answer From Expert Roger Bohmrich MW
The F.F. Ferraz company appears to have a long history on the island of Madeira. The name is controlled by the Madeira Wine Company, a consortium of four principal brands. Does the bottle give you any sense of its possible age? I'm not referring to the contents but as to whether you've come across a bottle first released to the market years (or decades) ago. The absence of a bar code might be a partial clue, although there are many current wines from small producers which still do not have a UPC. Rainwater is an old term and seems to be associated with the U.S. market in particular. Typically made from the Tinta Negra Mole grape, it is considered a medium-dry style containing around 6% to 8% residual sugar with a paler color and considerable flexibility in terms of pairing with food. It would be enjoyable on its own, with light appetizers, or with desserts involving pastry, fruit and nuts which are not overly sweet. According to the production rules, Rainwater is aged for no longer than five years. A well-known label you may see is Blandy's, matured for three years. Hope this answers all your questions.
