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Madeira

Portugal
Top Subregions: Verdelho MadeiraRainwater MadeiraMalmsey MadeiraSercial MadeiraMadeiraBual Madeira

Region Description

Madeira is a fortified wine produced on the Portuguese archipelago of the same name, located in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Morocco. The island is known for its unique terroir, which has been used to produce wine since the 15th century. Madeira has a long and storied history, with the first vines planted in the 15th century by Portuguese settlers. The island's unique climate and geography, with its steep slopes and warm temperatures, made it ideal for producing wine. The island's wines quickly gained popularity in Europe, and by the 18th century, Madeira was the oine of the most popular wines in the world. Today, Madeira is still produced in the traditional way, with the grapes grown on the island's steep slopes and aged in barrels for up to 20 years. The wines are known for their unique flavor and complexity, and are often served as an aperitif or dessert wine.

Beautiful landscape of Madeira wine region

Grapes & Wine Styles

Madeira is made from a variety of grapes, including Tinto Negro, Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malmsey. The wines are fortified with a grape spirit and aged in barrels for up to 20 years. The wines are known for their complexity and unique flavor profile, with notes of dried fruit, nuts, and spices. To achieve this unique character and caramel flavour, the wines undergo a unique process called canteiro or estufagem.

Notable Producers

Madeira is produced by a number of wineries, including Blandy's, Henriques & Henriques, and Justino's. CAF Madeira Vintners is a new up and coming, female-run producer.

Fun Fact about Madeira
Madeira is often served as an aperitif or dessert wine or is used in cooking. However, it can also be used for cocktails.

Top Wines from Madeira

Bottle of Blandy's Colheita Malmsey Madeira (Single Harvest) from search results

Blandy's Colheita Malmsey Madeira (Single Harvest)

Blandy's

User Rating:
4.1
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.8
Blandy's Colheita Malmsey Madeira (Single Harvest) is a distinguished example of Madeira wine, produced by the historic and respected Blandy's, a family-owned business with over 200 years of winemaking tradition in the Madeira archipelago. This single harvest wine is made from the Malmsey (Malvasia) grape, the richest and sweetest style of Madeira, known for its deep, complex flavors and remarkable aging potential. The grapes are harvested from select vineyards on the island, benefiting from the unique volcanic soil and subtropical climate that contribute to the distinctive profile of Madeira wines. Blandy's employs the traditional "canteiro" method for aging, wherein the wine is gently warmed and aged in seasoned American oak casks. This process allows the wine to develop its characteristic richness, concentration, and nuanced complexity, making it a true expression of the terroir and heritage of Madeira.
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Food Pairing:
Cheese
Fruit
Salad
Duck And Goose
Pork
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$57.99
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1 NV Vintage Available
Bottle of Blandy's 5 Year Old Malmsey Madeira (Rich) from search results

Blandy's 5 Year Old Malmsey Madeira (Rich)

Blandy's

User Rating:
3.8
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
Blandy's 5 Year Old Malmsey Madeira (Rich) is a delightful fortified wine that showcases the expertise of the producer. Made in the appellation of Madeira, this wine is crafted from grapes grown in unique vineyard features, such as the volcanic soil and the warm climate. The winemaking process involves aging the wine for five years in oak casks, allowing it to develop a rich and complex flavor profile. With its luscious sweetness and notes of caramel, dried fruits, and nuts, this Malmsey Madeira is perfect for those who appreciate a full-bodied and indulgent wine experience.
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Food Pairing:
Cheese
Chocolate Dessert
Dessert
Nuts
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$22.60
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1 NV Vintage Available
Bottle of Henriques & Henriques 5 Years Old Finest Full Rich Madeira from search results

Henriques & Henriques 5 Years Old Finest Full Rich Madeira

Henriques & Henriques

User Rating:
3.9
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
Henriques & Henriques 5 Years Old Finest Full Rich Madeira is a remarkable fortified wine that showcases the expertise of its producer. Crafted in the beautiful appellation of Madeira, this wine is made from carefully selected grapes grown in unique vineyard sites. The winemaking process involves aging the wine for a minimum of five years, allowing it to develop a rich and full-bodied character. With its deep amber color and complex aromas, this Madeira offers a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity. Its luscious flavors of dried fruits, caramel, and nuts make it a perfect choice for those seeking a truly exceptional and indulgent wine experience.
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Food Pairing:
Dessert
Nuts
Chocolate Dessert
Cheese
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$25.99
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1 NV Vintage Available
Bottle of Blandy's 10 Years Old Malmsey Madeira (Rich) from search results

Blandy's 10 Years Old Malmsey Madeira (Rich)

Blandy's

User Rating:
4.0
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
Blandy's 10 Years Old Malmsey Madeira (Rich) is a premium fortified wine produced by Blandy's, a renowned winery in Madeira, Portugal. This wine is made from the Malmsey grape variety, which is known for its rich and sweet flavor profile. The grapes are grown in the unique volcanic soil of Madeira, which imparts a distinct mineral character to the wine. The winemaking process involves aging the wine for 10 years in oak casks, which gives it a smooth and complex taste. This wine is rich and full-bodied, with notes of caramel, dried fruit, and nuts. It is a perfect dessert wine and pairs well with chocolate, fruit tarts, and strong cheeses.
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Food Pairing:
Duck And Goose
Cheese
Nuts
Dessert
Lasagna
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$27.12
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1 NV Vintage Available
Bottle of Blandy's 5 Year Old Bual Madeira (Medium Rich) from search results

Blandy's 5 Year Old Bual Madeira (Medium Rich)

Blandy's

User Rating:
3.9
Most Reviewed
Expert Rating:
4.0
Blandy's 5 Year Old Bual Madeira is a delightful medium-rich wine that showcases the expertise of the producer. Made in the beautiful appellation of Madeira, this wine is crafted from grapes grown in unique vineyard features that contribute to its exceptional quality. The winemaking process involves careful aging for five years, resulting in a wine that is rich and complex. With its medium richness, this Bual Madeira offers a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity, making it a versatile choice for pairing with a variety of dishes. Its smooth and velvety texture, combined with its enticing flavors, make it a true delight for wine enthusiasts.
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Food Pairing:
Dessert
Cheese
Nuts
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$22.60
Go to Shop
1 NV Vintage Available