Madeira

Question 1

Where is Madeira Wine Produced

Answer 1

The Island of Madeira (A territory of Portugal)

Question 2

Where is the island of Madeira in relation to Portugal

Answer 2

600 miles in the Atlantic Ocean

Question 3

Why was Madeira an important island in the shipping industry

Answer 3

A regular pit stop for ships departing Europe on their way to the Americas

Question 4

What happened to wines grown on Madeira as they were transported from Madeira on ships

Answer 4

The wine was repeatedly heated during the day and cooled overnight, essentially ‘cooking’ the wine, developing unique flavor and character

Question 5

What is the climate of Madeira

Answer 5

Subtropical

Question 6

What is the terrain of Madeira

Answer 6

Super mountainous (Result of volcanic activity)

Question 7

What soil type is Madeira known for

Answer 7

Volcanic

Question 8

What are the 4 white grapes of Madeira

Answer 8

Sercial
Verdelho
Boal
Malvasia/Malmsey

Question 9

Order the four white grapes of Madeira from driest to sweetest

Answer 9

Sercial
Verdelho
Boal
Malvasia/Malmsey

Question 10

What is the primary red grape of Madeira

Answer 10

Tinta Negra

Question 11

What is the most planted grape on Madeira

Answer 11

Tinta Negra

Question 12

How are grapes in Madeira harvested

Answer 12

By hand on steep terraces

Question 13

When is Madeira fortified

Answer 13

Depends on style:
Boal & Malvasia are fermented during fermentation (sweeter)

Sercial & Verdelho are fortified after fermentation (drier)

Question 14

What is the next step after fortification in the process of making Madeira

Answer 14

Heating the wine to mimic the affect of the Equator-like conditions of the shipping

Question 15

What are the two heating processes used to make Madeira

Answer 15

Estufagem - used for inexpensive wines

Canteiro - used for premium wines

Question 16

Describe the Estufagem Process

Answer 16

Fortified wines are transferred to an estufa, which is a large stainless steel tank that has coils in its walls that circulate hot water around the tank;
The tank is heated to ~120ºF and is held at that temperature for at least 3 months;
The wine comes down in temperature, rests for at least 3 more months, then goes into casks for aging;
This process, known as maderization, caramelizes any remaining sugars and oxidizes the wine while it was being “cooked.”

Question 17

Describe the Canteiro Process

Answer 17

After fortification the wines are put into oak casks for at least 2 years;
The casks are in hot attics which are not temperature controlled, so this more natural process of heating and cooling is closer to how the wine developed on ships;
The Canteiro process takes longer than the Estufagem process.

Question 18

What are the typical age indications of Madeira

Answer 18

5 year
10 year
15 year
20 year