Madeira Flashcards
Where is Madeira
portuguese island in atlantic ocean, 600 km from coast of Morocco
How did wine develop in Madeira?
sugar industry declined in 16th century and wine became main export, british merchants landed on island in 17th and 18th century and sent wine to their colonies in N. America and West Indies
Why was the 19th and 20th centuries more difficult for Madeira?
Powedery mildew/phylloxera, 20th century prohibition in U.S. , two world wars and Russian Revolution
What happened around 1986 that led to improvements in Madeira quality?
Portugal became part of the EU, and further regulations were introduced along with EU subsidies
Describe the climate of Madeira
Warm summers, mild winters; range of microclimates and mountains
Explain the difference of the northside of Madeira vs. the southside
North and center are cooler and wetter, than the south,
Where are the vineyards found in Madeira?
up to altitudes of 800m and near the coast
What are the soils like in Madeira?
volcanic and high in nutrients
Why are the vines vigorous in Madeira?
plentiful rain and nutritious soil
Which varieities are recommended to use in Madeira?
Sercial, Verdelho, Boal, Malvasia, Terrantez, and Tinta Negra
What is the most planted variety on Madeira and why?
Tinta Negra, high yielding, easy to grow
Only since what year could producers put Tinta Negra on the label?
2015
Describe Sercial
high acid; driest style; late-ripening, latest to be picked and still barely min alcohol; resistant to powdery mildew but suscetible to botrytris, small plantings
Describe Verdelho
2nd most planted varietal; high acid but lower than sercial, susceptible to botrytris, coulure and powdery mildew
Describe Boal
umbrellas term for multiple varities; but what grows on Madeira is: Malvasia Fina (Boal Cachudo); grows in low, warm altitude sites, susceptible to drought, needs irrigation, used for sweet wines
Describe Malvasia
umbrella term for multiple varieties, Malvasia Candida( was most important, high quality, too delicate) now Malvasia de Sao Jorge which gives high yields but susceptible to botrytris
Describe Terrantez
limited plantings; susceptible to powderly mildew and botrytris, picked soon after it reaches 9% abv potential
Why are vineyards in Madeira planted on terraces?
Mountainous island; steep slopes
How are vines trained in Madeira?
pergola system (latadas) which allows air circulation above and beneath vine to combat fungal disease
How are vines trellised in Madeira?
cordon-trained, VSP trellised
What is the main vineyard problem in Madeira?
Disease Pressure
How do growers combat fungal disease in Madeira?
canopy mgmt techniques such as shoot positioning, leaf removal; fungicide sprays
Is irrigation used in Madeira?
yes widely used, rainwater carried to center of island from Levadas (small irrigation channels), more irrigation required on south of island due lower rainfall
How is harvest decided and usually when is it?
IVBAM decides in consult with producers and growers and usually in end of Aug/ early sept.
How is Madeira usually harvested>
by hand
what is min. % abv at picking?
9%
What varietal fetches the least price?
Tinta Negra
What are the yields in Madeira?
HIgh yields common due to fertility, 150 h/l not uncommon