Madeira

Question 0

Madeira climate:

Answer 0

Subtropical

Warm temperatures offset by winds/proximity to ocean and humidity

Question 1

Madeira grapes:

Answer 1

Sercial
Verdelho
Bual
Malmsey (Malvasia Candida)
Terrantez
Bastardo
Tinta Negra Mole (85%)
Moscatel

Question 2

Madeira soils:

Answer 2

Volcanic, highly fertile

Mountainous terrain

Question 3

Madeira vinification styles:

Answer 3

Sercial/Verdelho:
Dry Madeiras served chilled as aperitifs.
Alcohol is added after fermentation has been completed.

Bual/Malmsey:
Medium sweet and sweet Madeiras served with dessert or cheese course.
Fermentation is stopped by addition of spirit.

Question 4

Madeira wine making method:

Answer 4

Estufagem
Estufa do Sol
Estufa

Question 5

Estufagem:

Answer 5

The heating process causes maderizarion of the wine, caramelizing the sugars and promoting complete oxidation.
The process is assisted by high alcohol & acidity levels in the wine.

Question 6

Estufa do Sol:

Answer 6

The finest wines are cask aged in lodges exposed to the sun.
Aging for many years.
Generally fresher acids kept with slow aging.

Question 7

Estufa:

Answer 7

A vat or tank heated by hot water to approximately 120 F for 6-12 months.
Sugars are more caramelized in speedy heating than Estufa do Sol.
Acids are reduced more.
6 months in Estufa equals 5 years in Estufa do Sol

Question 8

Styles of Madeira:

Answer 8

Most Madeiras are blended wines.
The age indication on the label represents the youngest component in the blend.
Because of the aging process (Maderization) the wines are exceptionally long lived.

Question 9

Varietal Madeira Styles:

Answer 9

Sercial/Verdelho:
Dry Madeiras served chilled as aperitifs.
Alcohol is added after fermentation has been competed.

Bual/Malmsey:
Medium sweet and sweet Madeiras served with dessert or cheese course.
Fermentation is stopped by addition of spirit.

Question 10

Other styles of Madeira:

Answer 10

The age indication on the label represents the youngest component in the blend.

Must be 85% varietal 
Three year old
Five year old Reserve
10 year old special reserve
15 year old extra reserve

Question 11

Vintage Madeiras:

Answer 11

Must be made from 100% of the varietal stated.

Must be aged for a minimum of 20 years in wood and two years in bottle before release.

Question 12

Vintage Madeiras: must be aged for a minimum of _____ years in wood and ____ years in bottle before release.

Answer 12

20 years in wood

2 years in bottle

Question 13

Rainwater Madeira:

Answer 13

Soft Verdelho style wine created in the 18th century

Question 14

Colheita Madeira:

Answer 14

Minimum 5 years aging from a single vintage