Sercial

Sercial is a white wine grape variety probably originating from Bucelas near Lisboa, Portugal. Often referred to as one of the classic varieties for the production of Madeira, the grape is used to produce dry styles of fortified wine with a distinctively nutty character.

Sercial produces light-skinned berries with a slightly citrus character and lower sugar levels than other Madeira varieties. The wines have high acidity, a pale yellow colour and a zesty, citrus aroma with a hint of almond and honey. On the palate, they are full-bodied and dry, with a distinct nutty character and a long finish.

Sercial is primarily grown in the Madeira archipelago, with some small plantings in mainland Portugal and even France. It is used to produce some of the finest and driest Madeira wines. Sercial produces big bunches of medium-sized, thin-skinned berries. The grapes ripen late and are susceptible to rot. The grapes are harvested when they reach a specific sugar level and are then fortified with grape brandy and aged in oak casks for several years. The wines produced from Sercial grapes vary in style depending on the region. In Madeira, the wines are dry and nutty, with a distinct citrus character. In mainland Portugal, the wines are light-bodied and floral, with hints of citrus and honey. The fortified wines of Sercial are best served with aged cheeses or as a digestif.

Sercial is often referred to as one of the 'noble' varieties of Madeira and has to be aged for a minimum of five years.