Madeira Flashcards
Madeira is aged as much as
200 years
Madeira was drunk by the U.S. forefather’s when
Signing the Declaration of Independence
Was port always fortified
No. It started out unfortified but it was thought to fortify it for long boat trips so it wouldn’t spoil
What is madeira fortified with
brandy (grape spirit).
What did the brandy do for the flavor of the wine
Added dimension through the abiity to age it
Taste of Madeira
Toffee, caramel,butterscotch, cocoa
How is madeira aged
madernized and oxidized either slowly and naturally (canteiro method 20-100 years they sit in sun) or by a process known as estufagem (heated in tanks). Wine then cools and rests for sometimes up to a year and often in American oak , Brazilian Satinwood, or Mohogany
Madeira grapes
Sercial (dry), Verdelho (medium dry), Bual (medium rich), Malmsey (sweet), torrentez, and tinta negra, mole
Quality or aging level
3, 5, 10, 15, solera, colheita, and vintage Madeiras (frasqueira).
3 yr. madeira is made from
Tinta Negra Mole. They undergo a quick heat and aage 3 yrs. in tanks not casks. Sometimes labeled “finest.” They are mostly fine for cooking!
5 yr. madeira
Min. quality level for a noble varietal. Aged 5 yrs. in cask.
10 yr.
Aged 10 yrs in cask
15 yr.
Aged 15 yrs. in cask
Solera
Rare. Like sherry. fractional blending is used
Colheita
Made from grapes grown in a single year. must age min. 5 yrs. before bottling. Newer in concept.
