ESU Madeira Program and Luncheon

News

Dear members and their guests,

On an overcast and slightly chilly fall afternoon, perfect for a Madeira Tasting, members gathered in salubrious expectation. Upon arrival, they were greeted with a glass of Rainwater Madeira, about which they would hear more later, and some petits hors d'oeuvres including green olives, dark olive tapenade, toast points, and almonds. The First Lady, Marilyn, and "Cruise Director" and Branch President Phil greeted all as they arrived at the Greencroft Club.

In lieu of prayer, the program began with a salute, on the eve of Veterans' Day, Remembrance Day in the UK, glasses charged, to all who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America, and a re-pledging of ourselves to the Founding Principle – One Nation, Under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for All.         

Needing no introductions, all "Legends in their Own Time," the head table guests were introduced, beginning with First Lady Marilyn, Grenelle Delany, Jane and John Dudinsky, Barbara Sieg and Brice Cunningham, Karen and Bryan Wright, and Chardon Jenks. Guests – Mark Lee (brought by Carol Kadner) and Vanessa Bijak (brought by Bonnie DeAtley's) were introduced and welcomed.

Announcements followed: The Directory goes to press this week…Monday Nov 19th; the UVa Oration Contest – 5:00 at the Rotunda on Monday Nov. 18th, noting that the  Cville Branch is a co-sponsor; Sunday Dec 8th –  "A Dickens of a Christmas" at the home of Ginna and Richard Kelly-Klaus; Saturday Jan 25 – Robert Burns Night at Glenmore Country Club with a speaker, a piper, and a sword Dancer, and of course, the ritual parade of Haggis and Highland Single Malt; Saturday Feb 1 – Free, the Shakespeare Contest at the Blackfriars Theater, Staunton – followed by a lunch. Invitations will precede these events.

President Williams began the program with a brief discussion of the geographic, tropical, location of the Island of Madeira, and then played the famous "Have some Madeira, M' dear'a" duo of Flanders & Swan."  From there, beginning with a food pairing, the members enjoyed a 

a "dry" Sercial Madeira, which proved to be very popular. The story of how Madeira came to be a fortified, "cooked" or heated wine was told. From there, the other "noble" Madeira grapes, Verdelho, Bual, and Malsey, and their taste characteristics were dicussed. Most were so very plesantly surprised by by the sense that each of these white grape wines could be at once, sweet, but not too sweet, due to the very high acidity of these wines. Phil talked about choosing the right Madeira for the right occasion, and the right food pairing. The culture of these wines, the terroir, the trellis and canopy treatment of the vines, set on steep terraces, in the different micro-climates on the North and South of the island, and the difference of proximity to salt air and heat versus elevations had on final characteristics of the juice, was discussed.

Wine production methods, heated vats (Estufagem) versus oxidizing barrels (Conteiro), and where the wines were stored, moving from the hotter, more humid tops of the lodges to the relatively cooler, and dryer bottoms over the decades. In between presentations, much chatter and merriment was heard.

In due course, Phil began to talk about Madeira's ceremonial role in the Founding of America. And then, it was on to Madeira in literature.

When it comes to longevity – like our members, Madeira lives forever, virtually indestructible.

And when it came to bid in the auction to support the Shakespeare competition, Bob and Judy Smith bought the Thomas Jefferson Special Reserve blended Madeira and the 2007 Colheita Malmsey. Karen Nuelle and Fielding Williams were the high bidders for the George Washington Special Reserve. The Branch wishes to thank them for their generosity and support. 

Judging from the members' spirits, one might safely surmise that a good, and educational, time was had by all. The trip from Portugal, to Spain, and now finally to Madeira, in an effort to instill an understanding of and appreciation for the Fortifed Wines of each of these countries, each culture, terroir, vinification techniques, has proved a genuine pleasure for the members. It certainly has been Phil's pleasure to share his passions for these storied wines.

Next stop, a Dickens of a Christmas chez Ginna and Richard Kelly-Claus. The First Lady and I wish you the happiest of Thanksgivings. While there is much sorrow in the world, there is also great joy, and many, many blessings. We thank the Almighty every day. Marilyn and Phil

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