Madeira Grapes and Growing Environment Flashcards
What type of temperatures does Madeira experience during the year?
Warm summers (20-22⁰C)
Mild winters (16-18⁰C)
True or False
Lack of winter dormancy is a problem in some sites on Madeira
True, in the warmer sites
True or False
Temperatures across Madeira are fairly stable, allowing for consistent products
False. Madeira is a mountainous island with a range of microclimates. Temperatures at higher elevations are cooler and the center and north of the island receive the most rain
Where does the majority of rain fall in Madeira? Why? How much and when?
The mountains are on the windward (north) side of the island, causing moisture to cool and precipitate on he northern and central parts of Madeira. The center of the island can experience as much as 3000mm per year, mostly in Autumn and Winter
How large is the growing area in Madeira? How does this compare to the total area of the island?
500 ha out of 74,000 total hectares
Where are the vineyards in Madeira generally located?
Near the coasts and up to altitudes of 800 meters. Forests cover the mountainous center of the island.
What type of soil can be found in Madeira?
Volcanic soils
Ddo the conditions in Madeira create low-vigir or high-vigor vines? Why?
High. The volcanic soils are fertile and the increased rainfall create a vigorous environment for grapevines.
How are grapes categorized in Madeira?
As ‘recommended’ or ‘authorized’ based on the quality of wine they produce. The rating system was formerly ‘noble,’ ‘good,’ and ‘authorized.’
What happened to plantings of Bastardo in Madeira?
Plantings fell after phylloxera and more recently due to its susceptibility to disease, temperamental yields, and the thin quality of wine it produces.
What are the recommended grape varieties for Madeira production?
Tinta Negra Sercial Verdelho Bual Malvasia Terrantez
What is the most planted grape on Madeira? Why?
Tinta Negra. It is high yielding and easy to grow.
In what year was Tinta Negra allowed to be put on Madeira labels?
2015
True or False
Tinta Negra produces notable single varietal Madeira
False. It is primarily used in Madeira that indicates a sweetness level rather than a varietal
What levels of sweetness might one find Tinta Negra used in Madeira wines?
All sweetness levels
What types of Madeira does Sercial produce? What is its most recognizable characteristic?
Sercial produces the driest styles of Madeira. It is most known for its high acidity and low sugar.
Is Sercial early, mid, or late ripening?
Late ripening. In cool sites in can struggle to ripen and may be the last picked varietal
Is Sercial susceptible or resistant to disease?
It is resistant to powdery mildew but susceptible to botrytis
Is Sercial widely planted on Madeira?
No, plantings are small due to the low sugar levels and its struggle to ripen.
What is the second most planted vinifera varietal on Madeira?
Verdelho
What is the most planted Vinifera varietal on Madeira?
Tinta Negra
Is Verdelho a high acid or low acid varietal?
High acid, though it has less acid than Sercial.
Is Verdelho susceptible to disease?
Yes, specifically botrytis, coulure, downy mildew, and powdery mildew.
What is Bual?
A catch-all term for a number of grape varieties. What grows on Madeira is Boal Cachudo, also known as Malvasia Fina
Where does Bual grow best on Madeira?
The warm, low altitude sites in the south of the island
What is Bual susceptible to?
Drought, thus it requires irrigation
What types of Madeira does Bual produce?
Medium-sweet styles
What is Malvasia?
An umbrella term for a group of grape varieties. Malvasia Cândida and Malvasia de Sâo Jorge are the most planted on Madeira
Which varietal of Malvasia is most prized for Madeira production? Why?
Malvasia Cândida due to the quality of wine it produces
What is the most planted Malvasia varietal on Madeira? Why?
Malvasia de Sâo Jorge. It is susceptible to botrytis but produces high yields. Malvasia Cândida is higher quality, but is very susceptible to powdery mildew that reduces yields
How widespread is Terrantez on Madeira?
Not very. Plantings on the island are small
When is Terrantez harvested in Madeira? Why?
Soon after the grape reaches 9% ABV. It is susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis, so the grapes are harvested early.
What type of terrain can be found on Madeira? How has viticulture adapted to it?
The island is mountainous and terraces are used to make planting possible
What type of vine training is common in Madeira? Why?
A pergola system called a ‘latada’ that enables airflow over and within the canopy. Madeira is warm and humid which increases disease pressure and the trellises reduce disease incidence. Crops can also be grown underneath the vines, maximizing land use
What grapevine diseases are most common in Madeira? Why? What is done to prevent them?
Downy mildew, botrytis, and Phomopsis due to the warmth and humidity on the island. Pergola trellising facilitates airflow, but fungicide spraying is usually necessary to prevent disease
Is irrigation common in Madeira?
Yes, especially in the south where there is less rainfall. Rainwater is carried from the mountainous center of the island to the south through small irrigation channels called levadas
When is the official harvest date in Madeira? Who decided on it?
The official harvest date floats based on vintage. IVBAM determines this date in collaboration with growers and producers. It is usually between the end of August and beginning of September.
Is harvesting in Madeira conducted by hand or automation?
Typically by hand due to the topography of the island.
What is the minimum potential ABV that grapes must be harvested at in Madeira? What is the typical amount?
9% minimum, though most are picked at 11%. Sercial is mostly picked at 9% due to its struggle to ripen and susceptibility to disease
What affects the price of grapes in Madeira?
Grape health and varietal. Tinta Negra is far less expensive than the other traditional varieties
What is the maximum permitted yield in Madeira?
It varies based on vintage, but 150 hl/ha yields are not unusual due to the fertile soils and plentiful water
