Madeira Winemaking Flashcards

1
Q

How are grapes inspected at the winery?

A

For health, weight, and potential alcohol with IVBAM representatives present.

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2
Q

True or False

Whole clusters are pressed to make Madeira

A

False. Clusters are destemmed

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3
Q

Does maceration take place in Madeira production?

A

At the producer’s discretion. Tinta Negra typically sees skin contact, especially for medium and sweet styles of wine.

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4
Q

How is fermentation of Madeira conducted?

A

In stainless steel with ambient yeasts

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5
Q

At what point during fermentationnis Madeira fortified?

A

Whenever the wine reaches the producer’s desired sweetness level. Sweeter wines may ferment for 2 days while drier wines may ferment for about a week.

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6
Q

What fortifying sport is used in Madeira production?

A

A 96% ABV grape spirit

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7
Q

Where does the spirit used to fortify Madeira come from?

A

It can come from anywhere but it must be inspected by IVBAM

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8
Q

What is the final ABV of Madeira?

A

17-18%

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9
Q

Do Madeira wines usually undergo fining or filtration?

A

Yes, both. Bentonite, gelatin, and albumin are often used for fining and diatomaceous earth is usually the filtration medium.

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10
Q

What determines the maturation process Madeira wine will undergo?

A

A tasting and classification of the wine batches according to style and quality

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11
Q

True or False

The conditions for maturing Madeira today match the aging conditions found on sailing ships in the 17h and 18th centuries

A

True

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12
Q

What are the two maturation techniques used in Madeira production?

A

Estufagem

Canteiro

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13
Q

What is Estufagem?

A

A maturation process used in Madeira where fortified wine is stored in stainless steel and heated to 45-50⁰C for a minimum of 3 months. The vessel is sealed by IVBAM and he seal is broken after 3 months

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14
Q

What is the container used in Estufagem?

A

A stainless steel container called an estufa

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15
Q

True or False

The estufa are not completely filled

A

True. Some air is permitted to allow for oxidation during the maturation (heating) process.

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16
Q

What happens to Madeira wine after it is heated in Estufagem for three months?

A

The wine is unsealed and left to cool. After it is cooled it is bottled for 6-12 months before release

17
Q

When can Madeira made by Estufagem be sold?

A

The earliest is October 31st of the second year after harvest

18
Q

What quality of Madeira is made from the Estufagem process?

A

Wines with baked or stewed fruit notes that are of lower quality than Canteiro wines.

19
Q

What types of Madeira are made from the Estufagem process?

A

Typically 3 year old and 5 year old Tinta Negra Madeira

20
Q

Describe the Canteiro process.

A

A method of Madeira production where fortified wines are matured in 400-700 L oak barrels stored in warm environments. These environments tend to be a loft or warehouse with a temperature between 25-40⁰C

21
Q

Do Madeira producers using the Canteiro system use different temperatures for their wine maturation?

A

Yes. Younger wines may experience the most warmth and then move to a cooler storage environment as they mature.

22
Q

How does humidity affect evaporation of Madeira wines in the Canteiro system?

A

It has minimal effect. The wines still evaporate to about 19-20% ABV

23
Q

What effect does the maturation process have on Madeira wines in the Canteiro system?

A

Sugars, acids (including volatile acidity), and alcohol increase in proportion to the wine. The wines also require topping up.

24
Q

When can Madeira matured in the Canteiro system be sold?

A

The 1st January of the third year after harvest

25
Q

True or False

An IVBAM representative is not required to seal and unseal barrels in the Canteiro system

A

False. IVBAM reps must seal and unseal all Madeira maturation systems

26
Q

How might additional maturation of Madeira wines be carried out after the initial Canteiro process? Why?

A

In larger oak barrels, stainless steel vats, or glass demi-johns. This limits further evaporation

27
Q

What size are the barrels used in the Canteiro process in Madeira?

A

400-700 liters

28
Q

What support is available for Madeira producers who wish to mature their wines for extended periods?

A

EU subsidies are available to Madeira producers who wish to mature their wine for an additional five years after the Canteiro process. The barrels are sealed and may only be adjusted under IVBAM supervision. A producer may reapply for additional five year periods.

29
Q

True or False

The maturation process in Madeira has an enhanced effect on the aging of the product

A

True

30
Q

Describe what the specific effects of maturation in Madeira has compared to more traditional maturation methods.

A

The oxidation facilitates color change towards brown and the development of tertiary characteristics. The warmth during the process accelerates these changes and facilitates the caramelization of sugars in the wine

31
Q

What is the general characteristic of Madeira as a result of the maturation process?

A

Dried fruits, such as apricot, raisin, and raisin

Caramel, chocolate, nuts

Often a smoky quality

32
Q

Is Madeira a vintage product? Why?

A

No. It is often a blend of vintages and vineyards so as to maintain consistency each year. Due to the long maturation process, barrels in the same warehouse may not even taste the same when the wine is finished.

33
Q

What effect does blending have on the complexity of Madeira?

A

Blending improves complexity and can be used to obtain a certain style. Sometimes, younger Estufa wines may be blended with older Canteiro wines to create a more complex wine. Drier wines may be used to tone down sweetness in the final product.

34
Q

Are adjustments permitted in Madeira?

A

Yes, such as the addition of caramel color in mid priced wines, carbon fining to strip color, and RCGM to add sweetness.

35
Q

Are Madeira wines fined or filtered?

A

Yes, both

36
Q

In what year was Madeira required to be bottled with a bottling date?

A

2015