The cellar index

WineCollection 50

Madeira

Fortification, heat and oxygen create wines with remarkable freshness and mature complexity.

Origin & traditionMadeira, Portugal

Character & context

Understanding Madeira

Madeira combines fortified wine with distinctive heating and ageing traditions. Styles range from relatively dry to rich and sweet, and acidity is central to their balance. Sercial, Verdelho, Boal and Malvasia are useful grape-linked references, while Tinta Negra also plays a major role. Read sweetness and age information rather than assuming all Madeira is alike.

Further reading: Instituto do Vinho da Madeira

Read related observations