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Madeira
Although originally from vines that came from Greece (Crete Island) in the 15th century, Madeira wines became known during the 16th and 17th centuries thanks to the expansion carried out by the English from the Atlantic islands. The Portuguese realized that the wine from the barrels traveling to India, which was not sold and returned to Madeira, improved in quality. Instead of deteriorating, the wine transformed into a liqueur of great attribute due to the high temperatures, the humidity of the ships, and the movement of the waves. A true discovery thanks to chance. Thus, Madeira wine is a tropical “cousin” of Port wines, with its own personality, that can be enjoyed both as an aperitif and with desserts. A wine influenced by the sea and its waves.
The soils of the islands are of volcanic origin, fertile, and extremely rich in organic matter. The vines are cultivated on terraces, usually on sunny slopes. The Denomination of Origin Madeira encompasses almost 450 hectares of vineyards, where the main variety is Tinta Negra, accounting for more than 80% of the total vines. Other important grape varieties include Sercial, Verdelho, Boal, and Malvasía.
One of the major challenges of Madeira wines is understanding their complex production and classification system. There are different styles depending on the sweetness, color, or body of the wines. So much so that the winemaking procedures and aging time form the basis of this classification. You can find a selected Madeira aged 3 to 5 years, Rainwater (up to 5 years), Reserves, and even wines that reach 20, 30, or 50 years, achieving the highest quality with the renowned Soleras, Colheitas, and Vintages.
Regarding production, Madeira wines are fermented at a temperature between 18º and 20º when they are from white grape musts, reaching up to 30º if they are from red grapes. All of them undergo a fortification process that makes them more resistant, allowing them to age in two different ways: in canteiros or via estufagem.
It is interesting to note that Madeira wines have already appeared in significant artistic and literary representations. For example, with William Shakespeare's Henry IV or in the very toast of the United States Declaration of Independence.
Soil
Volcanic-origin soils, fertile and very rich in organic matter.
Hectares
450
Location
Madeira
