Madeira Flashcards
Where is the Island of Madeira located?
600 km west of Morocco, 400 km north of the Canary Islands
When was Madeira first colonized?
1420 by the Portuguese
How did wine become the focus of Madeira’s export economy?
- Originally, Madeira was exporting sugar, wheat and wine
- Competition in sugar production decreased demand in the 1500’s
- Wine (likely unfortified at first) grew through the 1700’s as British merchants began shipping wine home
When did Madeira become known for fortified wines?
Likely around the same time (and for the same reasons) as Port, in the late 17th century
Where did the process of heating and cooling Madeira wine come from?
- Variable temperatures and long journeys were shown to improve quality
- Ships began using casks of Madeira as ballasts, with the intention of improving the wine
What major challenges did Madeira face throughout the 19th and 20th centuries?
- Powdery Mildew & Phylloxera (late 19th)
- Russian Revolution (1917-1923)
- U.S. Prohibition (1920-1933)
- Two World Wars
What was the Instituto do Vinho da Madeira?
- First regulatory body in Maderia, established in 1979
- Superseded by IVBAM (the Instituto do Vinho, do Bordado e do Artesanato e Bebidas Espirituosas da Madeira, IP-RAM) in 2006
What political event improved the quality of Madeira in 1986?
Portugal joined the EU
- Added EU regulations & protections
- EU subsidies
- More foreign investment
Describe the climate of Madeira
- Warm, mediterranean
- Very small seasonal temperature shifts (68-71°F in summer, 61-63°F in winter)
- Large range in meso-climates (oceanic & sub-tropical)
- Altitude can reach up to 1,800 meters (mountains formed from volcanic activity)
Why is there such a large range of meso-climates in Maderia?
Mountains cause moist air from the north to cool and condense closer to the center of the island (the highest altitudes), leading to rainclouds.
- The center of the island can receive up to 3,000mm of rain a year
- The main growing areas receive around 600mm of rain
How much area is under vine in Madeira?
450ha
Describe the general vineyard conditions of Madeira
- Closer to the coast
- Around 800m in altitude
- Volcanic soils, high in nutrients
- Vigorous vines
- Usually planted on terraced vineyards (steep slopes)
What is the name of the vine training system in Madeira?
Latadas
A kind of pergola system
- Increased air circulation to prevent fungal disease
- Space for other crops to grow underneath
How large is the average vineyard on the island of Madeira?
.3 ha, which is why spacial efficiency is emphasized regarding Latadas
What is Espaldeir?
A vine training system using single cordon, spur pruned vines, and VSP canopies
What diseases are common on Maderia? What are typical solutions?
Disease pressure
- Downy mildew
- Powdery mildew
- Grey rot
- Phomopsis
Solutions
- Shoot positioning
- Leaf removal
- Fungicide (usually necessary, regardless of other precautions)
Is irrigation allowed for viticulture on Madeira?
Yes, and it’s often especially necessary in the south
What is a Levada?
A small irrigation channel that connects vineyards to the rainwater on the center of the island
How is the harvesting date decided?
By the IVBAM, with the consultation of growers and producers
When is a normal official start to the harvest on Madeira?
At the end of August, early September
Is harvesting on Madeira usually handpicked or done mechanically?
Handpicked, because the steep terrain won’t allow for tractors
What is the minimum potential ABV for grapes to be harvested on Madeira?
9% minimum, but most grapes will not reach more than 11% at the time of picking
What are the maximum yields in Madeira?
Vintage dependent, but 150 hL/ha is not uncommon.
Fertile soils, warm temperature, and an abundance of water lead to high yields
What were common varieties planted before phylloxera?
Malvasia, Terrantez, Verdehlo (the most planted pre-phylloxera)
How did Phylloxera affect the grape varieties planted on Maderia?
Vinifera was largely replaced by American and hybrids because of their disease/pest resistance and high yields
How many plantings of American and hybrids still exist on Maderia?
Little, if any.
They are no longer allowed for use in Madeira production
When did vinifera start to make a comeback on Madeira?
The late 1980’s
EU subsidies allowed many vines to be replanted to vinifera
How are vinifera grapes categorized for Madeira production?
“Recommended” and “Authorised”
What grapes are categorized as “recommended” for Madeira production?
Sercial, Boal, Malvasia, Verdehlo, Terrantez, Tinta Negra.
Why do Sercial, Boal, Malvasia, Verdehlo, and Terrantez grapes fetch for higher prices than Tinta Negra?
- They are the “traditional” varieties of Madeira, capable of higher quality
- Plantings of these varieties are relatively small
Why is Tinta Negra so common on Madeira?
It was the main vinifera grapes planted post-phylloxera
- Easy to grow
- High yielding
- Makes wines of all sweetness levels
What grapes are characterized as “authorized”?
Vinifera grapes planted after phylloxera that aren’t capable of the same quality of the other traditional varieties
Can Tinta Negra appear on the label of a bottle of Madeira?
Yes, but it’s more common to label it by sweetness
What are the important characteristics of Sercial? (7 total)
- Used in the driest style of Madeira
- High acidity
- Late ripening, often the last to be picked
- Grown in cooler sites
- Resistant to powdery mildew, but susceptible to grey rot
- Prone to poor fruit set
- Small plantings on the island
What are the important characteristics of Boal? (5 total)
- AKA Malvasia Fina (used to make White Port)
- Makes semi-sweet wines
- Thrives in low altitude, warm environments
- Mostly planted on the southern part of the island
- Prone to drought, needs irrigation
What are the important characteristics of Verdelho? (3 total)
- High acidity, but lower than Sercial
- Second most planted on the island
- Susceptible to many diseases/hazards (grey rot, coulure, downy mildew and powdery mildew)
What are some grapes that might be referred to as Malvasia?
- Malvasia Cândida
- Malvasia de São Jorge
What are some important characteristics of Malvasia Cândida ?
- A historically important white variety known for high quality
- High acidity
- Very susceptible to grey rot
- Very limited plantings
What are some important characteristics of Malvasia de São Jorge?
- Most common Malvasia on Madeira
- The main grape that makes Malmsey
- Reliably high yielding
- High acid
- High sugar
- Very susceptible to grey rot
What are some important characteristics of Terrantez?
- Very limited plantings
- Very susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis
- Often picked soon after it reaches 9% potential ABV
What is the first step of grape reception at the winery in Madeira?
A representative of the IVBAM must be present to check the weight, health, potential alcohol of the grapes
What ABV do most Madeira wines contain after fermentation?
17-18%
