Madeira

Madeira is a special type of fortified wine produced on the island of Madeira, which belongs to Portugal. This wine is characterized by its sweetness and its increased alcohol content. There are some special characteristics that distinguish Madeira from other wines.

Making Madeira is somewhat similar to making other fortified wines. The grapes are harvested and the juice obtained is fortified with alcohol to stop fermentation and increase the alcohol content. The real difference lies in the subsequent maturation and aging processes.

When we first met Ricardo Diego Freitas, the boss of Barbeito, he enthusiastically told us that last week he had enjoyed an exquisite Madeira from a bottle that his grandfather had opened a quarter of a century ago.

A distinctive feature of Madeira is the heat treatment applied during the ripening process. The wine is treated by heating it in barrels or containers to mimic conditions experienced during historic sea voyages. This special treatment gives Madeira its unique aromas and flavors.

There are different styles of Madeira, such as Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, Malvasia and more. Each style has its own characteristics in terms of sweetness and flavor.

Madeira wines are often aged in oak barrels for long periods of time. During this maturation they develop complex aromas of roasted nuts, caramel, dried fruits and spices.

Often enjoyed as an aperitif or dessert wine, Madeira is also suitable as an ingredient in various cooking applications due to its bold nature and intense flavor profiles.

The special production and rich history make Madeira a unique and valued wine that has found many lovers over time. Both wine lovers and chefs appreciate its diverse uses and taste qualities.