Madeira - the Island Portuguese island province located 400 miles west of the Moroccan coast 35 miles long and 13 miles wide Subtropical climate -- it s always warm and temperate Characterized by very steep mountainous terrain vineyards planted on terraces up to nearly 6,000 feet Currently home to 260,000 inhabitants, half of whom live in the island s capital, Funchal Breathtaking coastal scenery, warm waters and island adventure sports such as hiking and biking have contributed to Madeira s status as a world-class tourist destination
Madeira - the History Discovered in 1418 by a Portuguese navigator A survivor, just like its hardy wines! The island has survived the following: - French pirates of the 16th century - British occupation during the Napoleonic Wars - shellings from U boats when Germany declared war on Portugal in 1918 - political revolution in 1974 Wine fortified to preserve it during sea trade voyages, which were characterized by intense rocking and extreme heat. Demand for the resulting long-lived, caramelized, rich wines was so high that ships were ordered to carry Madeira! Island s wine trade flourished with the rise of English colonies in America, as Americans preferred to send their own ships to collect tax-free Madeira rather than pay British taxes for Port Wine was important part of daily American life -- it was used to Used to toast the Declaration of Independence
Madeira Viticulture About 4,000 farmers maintaining 4,500 small vineyard plots It s difficult to grow grapes it s volcanic soil on steep terraces, which are often raised above the ground to prevent fungal diseases due to the damp weather All grapes are hand-harvested Four primary white varieties Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, Malmsey that result in wine styles named for the grape Tinta Negra Mole grapes is used to make Rainwater style of Madeira
Steep Madeira Terraces
Madeira the Wine Neutral grape spirit added after 36 hours of fermentation, resulting in fortified wine it s like Port but it s oxidized as explained below: Wine then heated in estufagem process, which is essential for wines characteristic concentration - Bulk wines heated up to 122 degrees F by stainless steel coils in middle of 13,000 gallon lined concrete tanks - Fine wines aged in 160 gallon casks stored in warm rooms heated by hot water pipes - Best wines aged in 160 gallon casks in very hot attic cellars heated only by the sun canteiro process lasts for at least 20 years Wine then cooled for at least one year and aged in casks until release this further aging is used to identify the type of Madeira (i.e.: 15 Year Old)
Madeira Aging in Canteiro
Madeira the Varietal Wines * EU law states that the wine must contain a minimum of 85% of the varietal on the label Sercial pale wine; dry with soft fruit, hint of nuttiness and a clean, crisp finish best served chilled as an aperitif delicious with olives, prosciutto, smoked fish Verdelho- golden colored; medium dry with elegant fruit qualities with nutty finish equally suitable as an aperitif or as a dessert wine ideally paired with cream-based or heavier soups such as tomato bisque, crab, and cheese Bual (Boal) amber color; medium rich with luscious, concentrated nutty and caramel flavors best served with drier salty cheeses such as Aged Gouda or creamy tropical or milk chocolate desserts Malmsey (Malvasia) deep amber brown; rich and full-bodied with unique honeyed flavor best enjoyed with decadent dark chocolate desserts or on its own after a meal
Madeira the Styles Rainwater medium dry to medium rich style from Tinta Negra Mole grape; aged 3 years excellent with cheese or used in cooking to brighten meat and vegetable dishes with acidity Blended Wines - if an age is stated on the label, it must be at least that old 5 Year Old 10 Year Old - more depth and concentration than younger blends 15 Year Old - rarest and most opulent of blended Madeiras Vintage-dated Wines - aged in canteiro process and represent best wines Colheita means harvest ; fine wines from specific year that are aged less than 20 years Vintage rare Madeiras aged in cask at least 20 years and in bottle for 2 years before sale * may age for over 100 years! Solera rarest of all Madeiras aged in solera system and topped off by highest quality wines * only produced during 19 th century!
Madeira Selling Tips Cask aging means its bottled ready to drink Delicious with a wide variety of foods and may be enjoyed and paired well throughout an entire meal Concentrated sweetness with perfectly balanced acidity makes Madeira exciting for cooking true Madeira (i.e.: from the island) is more concentrated and therefore more cost effective - good for brightening meat and vegetable dishes No spoilage the heating process used to make Madeira means that once opened, it will last for years (On-premise) Ideal for by-the-glass sales -- no back bar spoilage High incidence of repeat purchase once consumers taste Madeira
Madeira Pairing with Food * the wine enhances rich, salty foods with its bright acidity Classic examples- Steak in Madeira sauce Ham and figs in Malmsey (James Beard) Turtle soup with Madeira splash consommé ditto Sautéed mushrooms Modern Examples- Foie gras sautéed in Sercial Duck confit, hazelnut salad in Madeira vinaigrette Comforting split pea soup with Madeira Madeira zabaglione, pot du crème and crème caramel Tapanade
Symington Family in the Madeira Trade In 1989, the Symington family, renowned fourth generation Port producers, entered a partnership with the Blandys in what had then become the Madeira Wine Company, which also represents Cossart Gordon, Leacock s and Miles Over the last 15 years, the Symingtons have used their winemaking experience, dedication to reinvestment in the vineyards and winery, and worldwide distribution network to revitalize the Madeira trade
Cossart Gordon Cossart Gordon, established in 1745, is the oldest Madeira wine shipper and became a partner in the Madeira Wine Association in 1953 Specialist Bual producer enjoy these wines chilled in warm weather as a refreshing dessert in a glass Wines Rainwater 5 Year Old Bual and Malmsey 10 Year Old Bual 15 Year Old Bual (500 ml and 750 ml) Colheita (500 ml) Vintage limited availability
Leacock s Founded in the mid-18th century by John Leacock and joined the Madeira Wine Association in 1925 Rainwater Madeira was named to the "Top 50 Values for 2005" and rated 90 points Wines Rainwater 5 Year Sercial and Malmsey 10 Year Old Bual Vintage limited availability