As we pause to celebrate and reflect on the beginning of the American experiment, to the highs and lows and to the challenges before us, I can't think of a more American accompaniment than wine from the island of Madeira. Inextricably linked to early American history, this wine was present at virtually every significant
event in the 18th Century. Most appropriately, it is the wine that was used to toast the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It has a curious story: Fortified up to 20% ABV with neutral grape spirit to prevent spoilage. During the long, hot, slow journey by tall ship to the colonies, the wine (known as Vihno da Roda) would cook in the equatorial heat, oxidize in the sloshing barrels, (a process mimicked today) and by any reasonable measure, be "ruined". But instead, this process led to a wine that tasted of toasted hazelnuts, caramel, golden raisin, an burnt sugar. An added bonus: the wine became indestructible (I've been drinking from the same bottle for 7 years). You can have a glass, leave it open, and it will last forever. Even today, the Jefferson Hotel in DC has a bottle from 1720 (priced at $1,720 per 2 oz GLASS). So for better or for worse, lets raise a glass of this timeless American classic and have a happy 4th of July!