Madeira wine is one of the most unique and diverse wines in the world, with a history dating back centuries. Madeira is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, about 620 miles southwest of Lisbon, Portugal, that is famous for its fortified wine. The wine is produced on the islands of Madeira, Porto Santo, and Desertas, and it is known for its complexity, richness, and long-lasting flavor. There are several different styles of Madeira wine, each with its own distinct flavor profile. In this article, we will explore the different Madeira wine styles and flavors in detail.
The Different Styles of Madeira Wine:
Madeira wine is made from a variety of different grape varieties, including Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malvasia. The grapes are harvested and then left to ripen on the vine for an extended period of time. The grapes are then harvested and pressed, and the juice is fermented. Once the fermentation process is complete, the wine is fortified with brandy, which stops the fermentation process and adds a level of complexity to the wine.
There are four main styles of Madeira wine: Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malvasia. Each style is produced using a different grape variety and is aged for different periods of time. The aging process is what gives Madeira wine its unique flavor profile.
Sercial:
Sercial is the driest style of Madeira wine and is made using the Sercial grape variety. Sercial is typically aged for a minimum of five years in oak barrels. The wine is light in color and has a tangy, acidic flavor profile. It is often paired with appetizers and is an excellent wine to serve before a meal.
Verdelho:
Verdelho is a medium-dry style of Madeira wine and is made using the Verdelho grape variety. Verdelho is typically aged for a minimum of seven years in oak barrels. The wine has a golden color and a rich, complex flavor profile with notes of honey, caramel, and nuts. It pairs well with savory dishes and is an excellent wine to serve with a cheese platter.
Bual:
Bual is a medium-sweet style of Madeira wine and is made using the Bual grape variety. Bual is typically aged for a minimum of ten years in oak barrels. The wine has a deep amber color and a rich, sweet flavor profile with notes of caramel, raisins, and dried fruit. It pairs well with desserts and is an excellent wine to serve with a chocolate cake.
Malvasia:
Malvasia is the sweetest style of Madeira wine and is made using the Malvasia grape variety. Malvasia is typically aged for a minimum of fifteen years in oak barrels. The wine has a dark amber color and a rich, sweet flavor profile with notes of toffee, caramel, and dried fruit. It pairs well with strong cheeses and is an excellent wine to serve as a dessert wine.
Flavors of Madeira Wine:
Sercial:
Sercial is known for its tangy, acidic flavor profile. The wine has a fresh, citrusy taste with a hint of saltiness. Sercial has a crisp, dry finish and is often described as having a “zingy” flavor. The wine pairs well with seafood dishes, especially oysters and shellfish. Sercial is also an excellent wine to serve with salty appetizers like olives and nuts.
Verdelho:
Verdelho has a rich, complex flavor profile with notes of honey, caramel, and nuts. The wine has a slightly sweet taste but is balanced with a tangy acidity. Verdelho has a long, smooth finish and is often described as having a “nutty” flavor.
