Grape Variety
Bual
"boo-AHL"
Wine Styles
Sparkling
Light White
Full White
Aromatic
Rosé
Light Red
Medium Red
Full Red
DessertAbout Bual
Origin
Madeira, Portugal
History
Bual, also known as Boal in Portuguese, is a white grape variety traditionally grown on Madeira Island. It is primarily used in the production of medium-sweet Madeira wines, offering a balance between the drier Sercial and Verdelho, and the sweeter Malmsey styles. Bual wines are known for their rich flavors and aging potential.
Appearance
Medium-sized, greenish-yellow berries growing in compact clusters.
Growing Traits
Bual is a good yielding grape that performs best on the lower slopes on the south side of Madeira Island, around Câmara de Lobos and Funchal.
Wine Characteristics
Body
3/5
Sweetness
3/5
Tannin
1/5
Acidity
4/5
Alcohol
4/5
Medium-bodied with a rich and rounded texture, offering a harmonious balance between sweetness and acidity. Medium-sweet, providing a luscious profile that is sweeter than Sercial and Verdelho but less sweet than Malmsey. Negligible tannin levels, characteristic of white wines, contributing to its smooth and clean profile. Moderate to high acidity, providing a vibrant and refreshing backbone that balances its sweetness. Moderate alcohol content, typically ranging between 17% and 20%, common for fortified wines like Madeira.
Taste Profile
Dried Fruits
Caramel
Spice
Nuts
Smoky
Bual Madeira wines are characterized by flavors of dried fruits, such as raisins and figs, complemented by notes of caramel and warm spices. Subtle nutty and smoky undertones add complexity, all balanced by moderate to high acidity and a medium-sweet finish.
Food Pairing
Bual Madeira's medium-sweet profile and balanced acidity make it an excellent match for a variety of desserts, particularly those featuring dried fruits, nuts, or caramel. It pairs well with almond tart, crème brûlée, and blue cheeses. The wine's richness also complements foie gras and pâté.
Growing Regions
Portugal
Madeira Island
Notable Wines & Producers
Bual 10 Year Old Madeira
Blandy's
Henriques & Henriques
Bual 15 Year Old Madeira
Cossart Gordon
Justino's
Bual FAQ
Common questions about this grape variety
What is the origin of Bual?
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Madeira, Portugal
Is Bual wine full bodied?
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Bual has a body level of 3 out of 5. Which means that Bual is Moderate bodied.
Is Bual wine dry or sweet?
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Bual has a dryness level of 3 out of 5. Which means that Bual is Semi-Sweet.
Where is Bual wine from?
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Madeira, Portugal
Where is Bual grown?
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Bual is grown in Portugal (Madeira Island).
What is Bual like?
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Bual Madeira wines are characterized by flavors of dried fruits, such as raisins and figs, complemented by notes of caramel and warm spices. Subtle nutty and smoky undertones add complexity, all balanced by moderate to high acidity and a medium-sweet finish.
What does Bual pair with?
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Bual Madeira's medium-sweet profile and balanced acidity make it an excellent match for a variety of desserts, particularly those featuring dried fruits, nuts, or caramel. It pairs well with almond tart, crème brûlée, and blue cheeses. The wine's richness also complements foie gras and pâté.
What does Bual taste like?
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Bual Madeira wines are characterized by flavors of dried fruits, such as raisins and figs, complemented by notes of caramel and warm spices. Subtle nutty and smoky undertones add complexity, all balanced by moderate to high acidity and a medium-sweet finish.
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