Madeira Grapes and Growing Environment

Question 1

What type of temperatures does Madeira experience during the year?

Answer 1

Warm summers (20-22⁰C)

Mild winters (16-18⁰C)

Question 2

True or False

Lack of winter dormancy is a problem in some sites on Madeira

Answer 2

True, in the warmer sites

Question 3

True or False

Temperatures across Madeira are fairly stable, allowing for consistent products

Answer 3

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

Question 4

Where does the majority of rain fall in Madeira? Why? How much and when?

Answer 4

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

Question 5

How large is the growing area in Madeira? How does this compare to the total area of the island?

Answer 5

500 ha out of 74,000 total hectares

Question 6

Where are the vineyards in Madeira generally located?

Answer 6

Near the coasts and up to altitudes of 800 meters. Forests cover the mountainous center of the island.

Question 7

What type of soil can be found in Madeira?

Answer 7

Volcanic soils

Question 8

Ddo the conditions in Madeira create low-vigir or high-vigor vines? Why?

Answer 8

High. The volcanic soils are fertile and the increased rainfall create a vigorous environment for grapevines.

Question 9

How are grapes categorized in Madeira?

Answer 9

As ‘recommended’ or ‘authorized’ based on the quality of wine they produce. The rating system was formerly ‘noble,’ ‘good,’ and ‘authorized.’

Question 10

What happened to plantings of Bastardo in Madeira?

Answer 10

Plantings fell after phylloxera and more recently due to its susceptibility to disease, temperamental yields, and the thin quality of wine it produces.

Question 11

What are the recommended grape varieties for Madeira production?

Answer 11

Tinta Negra
Sercial
Verdelho
Bual
Malvasia
Terrantez

Question 12

What is the most planted grape on Madeira? Why?

Answer 12

Tinta Negra. It is high yielding and easy to grow.

Question 13

In what year was Tinta Negra allowed to be put on Madeira labels?

Answer 13

2015

Question 14

True or False

Tinta Negra produces notable single varietal Madeira

Answer 14

False. It is primarily used in Madeira that indicates a sweetness level rather than a varietal

Question 15

What levels of sweetness might one find Tinta Negra used in Madeira wines?

Answer 15

All sweetness levels

Question 16

What types of Madeira does Sercial produce? What is its most recognizable characteristic?

Answer 16

Sercial produces the driest styles of Madeira. It is most known for its high acidity and low sugar.

Question 17

Is Sercial early, mid, or late ripening?

Answer 17

Late ripening. In cool sites in can struggle to ripen and may be the last picked varietal

Question 18

Is Sercial susceptible or resistant to disease?

Answer 18

It is resistant to powdery mildew but susceptible to botrytis

Question 19

Is Sercial widely planted on Madeira?

Answer 19

No, plantings are small due to the low sugar levels and its struggle to ripen.

Question 20

What is the second most planted vinifera varietal on Madeira?

Answer 20

Verdelho

Question 21

What is the most planted Vinifera varietal on Madeira?

Answer 21

Tinta Negra

Question 22

Is Verdelho a high acid or low acid varietal?

Answer 22

High acid, though it has less acid than Sercial.

Question 23

Is Verdelho susceptible to disease?

Answer 23

Yes, specifically botrytis, coulure, downy mildew, and powdery mildew.

Question 24

What is Bual?

Answer 24

A catch-all term for a number of grape varieties. What grows on Madeira is Boal Cachudo, also known as Malvasia Fina

Question 25

Where does Bual grow best on Madeira?

Answer 25

The warm, low altitude sites in the south of the island

Question 26

What is Bual susceptible to?

Answer 26

Drought, thus it requires irrigation

Question 27

What types of Madeira does Bual produce?

Answer 27

Medium-sweet styles

Question 28

What is Malvasia?

Answer 28

An umbrella term for a group of grape varieties. Malvasia Cândida and Malvasia de Sâo Jorge are the most planted on Madeira

Question 29

Which varietal of Malvasia is most prized for Madeira production? Why?

Answer 29

Malvasia Cândida due to the quality of wine it produces

Question 30

What is the most planted Malvasia varietal on Madeira? Why?

Answer 30

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

Question 31

How widespread is Terrantez on Madeira?

Answer 31

Not very. Plantings on the island are small

Question 32

When is Terrantez harvested in Madeira? Why?

Answer 32

Soon after the grape reaches 9% ABV. It is susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis, so the grapes are harvested early.

Question 33

What type of terrain can be found on Madeira? How has viticulture adapted to it?

Answer 33

The island is mountainous and terraces are used to make planting possible

Question 34

What type of vine training is common in Madeira? Why?

Answer 34

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

Question 35

What grapevine diseases are most common in Madeira? Why? What is done to prevent them?

Answer 35

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

Question 36

Is irrigation common in Madeira?

Answer 36

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

Question 37

When is the official harvest date in Madeira? Who decided on it?

Answer 37

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.

Question 38

Is harvesting in Madeira conducted by hand or automation?

Answer 38

Typically by hand due to the topography of the island.

Question 39

What is the minimum potential ABV that grapes must be harvested at in Madeira? What is the typical amount?

Answer 39

9% minimum, though most are picked at 11%. Sercial is mostly picked at 9% due to its struggle to ripen and susceptibility to disease

Question 40

What affects the price of grapes in Madeira?

Answer 40

Grape health and varietal. Tinta Negra is far less expensive than the other traditional varieties

Question 41

What is the maximum permitted yield in Madeira?

Answer 41

It varies based on vintage, but 150 hl/ha yields are not unusual due to the fertile soils and plentiful water