Madeira wine

1. Madeira Wine

Madeira wine is a fortified wine made on the Portuguese Madeira Islands, off the coast of Africa. The wine is noted for its unique winemaking process, which involves heating the wine and deliberately exposing it to air. This process creates a robust wine that can be aged for decades, even centuries.

History

The history of Madeira wine dates back to the Age of Exploration when Madeira was a standard port of call for ships heading to the New World or East Indies. To prevent the wine from spoiling, neutral grape spirits were added. The wine was then stored in the holds of ships, where the heat and movement transformed it into the unique Madeira wine we know today.

Production

Madeira wine is produced using a variety of grapes, including Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malmsey. The production process involves heating the wine, either by storing it in heated rooms or by using a system of hot water pipes. This heating process, known as "estufagem," is crucial to developing the wine's characteristic flavors.

Types of Madeira Wine

Madeira wine is classified based on the grape variety and the level of sweetness:

• **Sercial**: The driest style, with a crisp acidity.
• **Verdelho**: Slightly sweeter, with a rich, tangy flavor.
• **Bual**: Medium sweet, with a full-bodied taste.
• **Malmsey**: The sweetest style, with a rich, complex flavor.

Aging

Madeira wine is known for its longevity. It is one of the few wines that can improve with age, even after being opened. The wine is typically aged in oak casks for a minimum of three years, but some varieties are aged for much longer.

Uses

Madeira wine is often used in cooking, particularly in sauces and desserts. It is also enjoyed as an aperitif or dessert wine.

See Also

• Fortified wine
• Portuguese wine
• Wine production

References

• [Madeira Wine Institute](https://www.ivbam.gov-madeira.pt)
• [Wine Spectator: Madeira](https://www.winespectator.com)

External Links

• [Madeira Wine Company](https://www.madeirawinecompany.com)
• [Visit Madeira](https://www.visitmadeira.pt)

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