If you are a wine enthusiast and are looking for a unique experience, then Madeira Wine is a must. This fortified wine has been produced on Madeira Island for centuries and has gained worldwide recognition for both its exceptional flavour and ageing potential. But with so many varieties and styles, it can be a challenge to know where to start.
That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide that will help you discover the hidden gems of Madeira Wine. From its rich history to the different styles and pairings, we’ll take you on a journey through the world of Madeira Wine.
Madeira Wine History
Madeira wine has a rich and fascinating history dating back to the 15th century. The technique of adding alcohol to wine to preserve it during travel is believed to have been discovered by Portuguese traders sailing to India. When they stopped on the island of Madeira to refuel their ships, they found that the local wine aged in oak barrels had improved significantly during the voyage. This led to the practice of adding alcohol to local wine before shipping it to other parts of the world.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Madeira wine became extremely popular among the European nobility, especially in England. It was one of Thomas Jefferson’s favourite wines and was often served at the table of King George III. The popularity of Madeira Wine continued to grow during the 19th century, but production was interrupted by the phylloxera plague that devastated Europe’s vineyards. Madeira wine production resumed in the 20th century and is now considered one of the world’s great fortified wines.
The unique characteristics of Madeira Wine
Madeira wine is known for its longevity and ageing ability. This is largely due to the fact that it is fortified with alcohol, which helps preserve the wine for decades, and even centuries. But ageing is not the only thing that makes Madeira wine unique. The complex and rich flavours and aromas add even more potential to this nectar of the gods.
This wine is produced from many different grapes, including Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malvasia. Each grape produces a different style of Madeira Wine, ranging from dry and acidic to sweet and full-bodied. In addition, Madeira wine is often aged in oak barrels that have previously been used to age other wines, such as sherry or port. This gives Madeira wine additional complexity, adding notes of nuts, chocolate and caramel to its flavours and aromas.
The different types of Madeira Wine
There are four main styles of Madeira Wine, each named according to the grape used in production. They are:
– Sercial: This is the driest style of Madeira Wine, with a fresh, acidic flavour. It is often served as an aperitif and is a great choice to accompany seafood and salads.
– Verdelho: Verdelho Madeira Wine is a little sweeter than Sercial, with notes of citrus and a slightly fuller flavour. It is a great choice to accompany chicken or pork dishes.
– Bual: Madeira Bual is a little sweeter, with notes of caramel and chocolate. It is a great choice to accompany desserts, such as fruit pies or ice cream.
– Malvasia: Madeira Malvasia is the sweetest of the four styles, with a rich, full-bodied flavour and notes of figs and plums. It is a great choice to accompany rich desserts and strong cheeses.
The best way to serve and enjoy Madeira Wine
Served slightly chilled, but not chilled. The ideal temperature is between 13 and 16 degrees Celsius. When served too cold, the flavour and aroma of the wine are masked, which can detract from the tasting experience.
Madeira wine is often served as an aperitif, but can also be enjoyed with a variety of dishes.
Read also: Madeira Island Gastronomy
How to pair Madeira Wine with food
Madeira Wine is a fortified, sweet wine, and can be a bit challenging when it comes to pairing with food. Here are some tips to help you pair Madeira Wine with your favourite dishes:
– For appetizers: Sercial style is a great choice to accompany seafood and salads, while Verdelho is a good choice for more substantial appetizers, such as pâtés or terrines.
– For main courses: Bual is a great choice for accompanying pork or chicken dishes, while Malvasia is perfect for accompanying rich, intense dishes such as stews or stews.
– For desserts: Madeira wine is a great choice to accompany rich and intense desserts, such as fruit tarts or ice cream. Bual is a great choice for desserts with caramel or chocolate, while Malvasia is ideal for desserts with dried fruit.
The main Madeira Wine producers and their offerings
There are several Madeira Wine producers on the island of Madeira, each with their own unique offering. Here are some of the main producers and some of their offerings:
– Blandy’s: One of the oldest Madeira Wine companies. Blandy’s offers a wide variety of wines including Sercial, Verdelho, Bual and Malvasia. The oldest wines are aged for over 100 years.
– Henriques & Henriques: This company offers a wide variety of wines, including Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malvasia. They also offer vintage wines, which are bottled in exceptional years.
– Justino’s: This company was founded in 1870 and offers a wide variety of wines, including Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malvasia. They also offer vintage wines and a line of premium wines.
The best places to visit and taste Madeira Wine
If you’re planning a trip to Madeira Island, there are several places you can’t miss. Here are some of the best places to visit and taste Madeira wine:
– Blandy’s Wine Lodge: This is one of the oldest and largest Madeira Wine lodges on the island, and offers guided tours and tastings.
– Henriques & Henriques: In addition to producing Madeira Wine, Henriques & Henriques also offers guided tours and tastings at the winery.
– Barbeito Wines: This relatively new company offers a wide variety of wines, including some rare and vintage styles. They also offer guided tours and tastings at the winery.
How Madeira Wine is produced
This wine is produced from a blend of local grapes, which are crushed and left to ferment. After fermentation is complete, the wine is fortified by adding alcohol, usually wine brandy. The wine is then aged in oak barrels for varying periods, which can range from a few years to more than a century. During ageing, the wine is subjected to changes in temperature and humidity, which helps develop complex flavours and aromas.
The Future of Madeira Wine
Madeira wine has a rich and fascinating past, but it also has a promising future. Although production has decreased over the years, Madeira wine remains a highly regarded wine around the world. With the increasing demand for fortified and quality wines, Madeira wine is well-positioned to continue to grow in popularity and recognition.
With so many styles and options available, there is a Madeira Wine for every palate and occasion. With all the historical richness and unique flavour, Madeira wine is an excellent choice for any occasion. Remember to choose a Madeira Wine that is suitable for your palate, store it properly and enjoy a good glass of wine in good company.