Bual

Bual, also known as Boal in Madeira, is a grape variety used in the production of Madeira wine on the Portuguese island of Madeira in the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the four traditional grape varieties associated with noble Madeira, alongside Sercial, Verdelho, and Malvasia. The name Bual is the English spelling used on many labels, while Boal is widely used in Portugal.

Wine character and styles: Bual wines are typically medium to full-bodied with a deep, aromatic profile. Common flavors include dried fruit, fig, caramel, toffee, and nutty notes. The sweetness level can range from medium to very sweet, influenced by winemaking style and aging. With age, Bual-Madeira gains complexity, developing oxidative and rancio notes and a darker color.

Production and aging: Madeira wines are fortified during production and then heated (estufagem) or aged under controlled conditions to develop their distinctive character. Bual-based Madeiras tend to be among the richer, more robust varieties and are known for aging potential, often improving with decades of bottle aging.

Synonyms: Boal, Boal de Madeira.

See also: Madeira wine.