Sandeman Madeira Rainwater

750ml & 30 Proof

4.3

Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars

3 Reviews

What is Sandeman Madeira Rainwater?

Sandeman Madeira Rainwater offers a unique taste of history, blending tradition with a touch of nature's whimsy. This medium-dry fortified wine gets its name from a 17th-century mishap when barrels of Madeira were left on the docks during a rainstorm, leading to a happily serendipitous flavor profile that wine lovers still enjoy today.

Why do we love Sandeman Madeira Rainwater?

Sandeman Madeira Rainwater isn't a rum at all, but a light, versatile style of fortified wine from Portugal's Madeira Island. This amber-hued wine offers cocktail enthusiasts a unique blend of nutty, caramel-like flavors with a refreshing acidity, making it an excellent substitute for sweet vermouth in classic cocktails like the Manhattan or Negroni.

How do you drink Sandeman Madeira Rainwater?

Sandeman Madeira Rainwater shines when served slightly chilled in a small wine glass, allowing its delicate aromas and flavors to unfold. This versatile fortified wine can be savored neat as an aperitif on warm summer evenings, or mixed into spirit-forward cocktails during cooler months, pairing beautifully with nutty cheeses, dried fruits, and light desserts like almond cookies or lemon tart.

$21.99

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Tasting Notes

How It's Made

Fun Facts

Product Details

Nose: Light caramel, toasted nuts, and dried fruits. Hints of orange peel and a subtle woody aroma.

Palate: Medium-sweet with flavors of honey, golden raisins, and roasted almonds. Notes of candied citrus and a touch of vanilla. Light and refreshing with a gentle acidity.

Finish: Clean and crisp with lingering notes of toffee and dried apricots. A slight warmth and nuttiness that fades slowly.

Sandeman Madeira Rainwater undergoes a unique aging process called "estufagem," where the wine is heated and cooled repeatedly to simulate the effects of a long sea voyage. This technique, combined with oxidative aging in oak casks, imparts the characteristic nutty, caramelized flavors that make Rainwater Madeira so distinctive.

Sandeman's "Rainwater" Madeira got its name from a happy accident in the 18th century when barrels of the wine were left on a beach during a rainstorm. The diluted wine was unexpectedly popular, leading to the creation of this lighter style.

Despite its name, Rainwater Madeira isn't made with actual rainwater. The term refers to its pale color and delicate flavor, which were once thought to resemble rain-diluted Madeira.

Sandeman ages their Rainwater Madeira using the unique "estufagem" process, where the wine is heated to about 115°F (46°C) for three months. This mimics the effects of long sea voyages that historically shaped Madeira's distinctive taste.

Main Ingredient: Wine
Country of Origin: Portugal

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4.3

Rated 4.3 out of 5 stars

Based on 3 reviews

Total 5 star reviews: 2 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 1 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0

Best ForRated 1.0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2

67%would recommend this product

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3 reviews

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Colin M.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
Oh it's lovely
Straight up made the best Manhattan of my life with this. Never going to use sweet vermouth for that cocktail again - but definitely add a quarter ounce or barspoon of 2:1 simple syrup, it's a bit drier than sweet vermouth.
Great on its own too, complex and not too dry or too sweet, not very bitter. feels more aperitif than dessert, but could work for both.
Can't wait to try it in a negroni next
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Karen G.
Verified Buyer
I recommend this product
Age Range 55 - 64
I'm More Into: Cocktails
I Bought This For Myself
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
if you generally ...
like port & dessert wines, this is lovely
Best ForRated 2.0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2
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Robert W.
Verified Buyer
Age Range 35 - 44
I'm More Into: Cocktails AND Sipping
My Spirit of Choice (if forced to choose!) Scotch
I Bought This For Myself
Rated 3 out of 5 stars
Not that interesting
This is basically like a tawny port or something along those lines. It’s very good, but not that interesting. I usually like to use this as a stand-in for sweet vermouth sometimes in cocktails, but it is also good for sipping.
Best ForRated 0.0 on a scale of minus 2 to 2
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Last Updated: 2024-09-07

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Sandeman Madeira Rainwater

750ml & 30 Proof