Overview
Madeira's unique estufagem (heating) or canteiro (gradual sun-warming) process, combined with deliberate oxidation and perpetual fortification, produces the world's only truly immortal wine. Vintage Madeiras from the 1800s are regularly drunk today. The four noble varieties offer a complete spectrum: Sercial (bone-dry, nervy), Verdelho (off-dry, smoky), Boal (medium-sweet, nutty), Malmsey (rich, caramelised).
In The Glass
- Colour
- Deep tawny
- Nose
- Orange peel, Dried apricot, Fig, Walnut and Caramel.
- Palate
- The immortal wine — oxidised, complex, 200 years of life. Generally medium-bodied, electric acidity, off-dry, with a very long finish.
Tasting Profile
Body Medium3/5
Tannins Silky1/5
Acidity Electric5/5
Sweetness Off-Dry3/5
Alcohol Very High5/5
Grapes
SercialVerdelhoBoalMalmsey (Malvasia)Tinta Negra
Aromas And Notes
Orange peelDried apricotFigRaisinWalnutCaramelCoffeeDried herbsRancioSmokeOld leatherAncient wood
Terroir
Subtropical Atlantic — perpetually mild, volcanic soils, high humidity.
Volcanic basaltVolcanic loamTerrace levadas
Food Pairings
Espetada (beef skewer)Poncha (traditional spirit punch)Bolo de mel (molasses cake)Strong aged cheeses
Notable Producers
- Blandy's, founded 1811 - Bual 1920 Vintage
- Henriques & Henriques, founded 1850 - Malmsey 1968 Vintage
- Justino's, founded 1870 - Verdelho 10 Years