What is Madeira Wine?

Madeira is a fortified white wine that is available in several different styles of dry/sweet variations. There are four principle grape varietals that are recruited to make the best Madeira wines (Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, Malmsey). The base white wine is fortified with neutral grape spirits at differing points of fermentation, depending on the level of sweetness the maker is going for (the more sweet the Madeira, the earlier in fermentation the base wine was fortified). Madeira is unique because it is not only fortified, but oxidized and “cooked,” (technically referred to as "estufagem") making for a fairly indestructible wine option. In fact, the term “maderization” refers to the process of oxidizing and heating a wine. Madeira is typically an amber colored gem with caramel, nutty flavors. Read more...