Portugal - Madeira

Question 1

DOP of

Madeira

Answer 1

Madeira DOP

Madeirenses DOP

Also has 1 IGP:
Terras Madeirensas IGP

Question 2

IGP of

Madeira

Answer 2

Terras Madeirenses IGP

* Includes wines from Madeira, Porto Santo

Question 3

What is the regulating body of Madeira?

Answer 3

IVBAM

Wine, Embroidery and Handicraft Institute of Madeira

Instituto do Vinho, do Bordado e do Artesanato da Madeira

Question 4

Principal Madeira Soils?

Answer 4

• *Pedra Molle**
• a sandy (arenaceous) soil, of decomposed yellow tufa
• *Saibro**
• decomposed red tufa
• *Massapes**
• clay resulting from the decomposition of dark tufa
• *Cascalho**
• stony soil
• *Porto Santo**
• (this is the other island in the Madeira archipeligo that Madeira can be produced on)*
• volcanic and limestone soils

==========

The soil in Madeira is of volcanic origin, consisting mainly of basalt, trachytes and trachydolerites, tufa, scoria (clinker) and conglomerates.

Over time, the volcanic rock disintegrates under the erosion of sun and rain and produces a variety of soils. In general terms, these soils are clayey, acid, rich in organic material, magnesium and iron, poor in potassium and adequate in phosphorus.

Basalt predominates at lower altitudes, and is the origin of more or less clayey dark or reddish-brown soils.

Trachytes are grey or dark-grey rocks found above 300 metres. Trachydolerites are lighter coloured and are found at very high altitudes.

Tufa is solidified volcanic mud and occurs in two forms: pedra mole, which is yellow, and cantaria de forno, which is red. They have a variable composition.

Scoria is solidified cellular lava, dark (sometimes purple) in colour, and porous in texture.

Conglomerates are formed from basalt and tufa detritus.

Question 5

Allowed & Recommended Branco Madeira Grapes

Answer 5

Recommended Branco Casta:

• *Terrantez**
• once thought to be identical to Folgasão, but now known as a distinct grape. This highly regarded grape no longer has any significant plantings.
• *Malvasia Fina**
• 85% min of this grape must be used in Boal**
• *Malvasia Cândida**
• (aka: Malvasia di Lipari)*
• was the main grape for Malmsey production; only 4 ha still remain planted (Malvasia Branca de São Jorge is the main grape used now)**
• *Sercial**
• (aka Esgana Cao - the “dog strangler”)*

Verdelho

===============

Recommended Tinto Casta:

• *Bastardo**
• only a miniscule amount of this is planted here anymore.
• *Malvasia Cândida Roxa**
• (aka: Malvasia Roxa)*
• *Tinta**
• (aka: Tinta da Madeira)*
• *Tinta Negra**
• (aka Tinta Negra Molle)*
• most planted varietal on the island…?

Verdelho Tinto

===============

Also Authorized:

Tinto:
- Complexa, Deliciosa, Listrão, Triunfo

Branco:
- Caracol, Carão-de-Moça, Malvasia Branca de São Jorge, Moscatel Graúdo, Rio-Grande, Valveirinho

===============

** source = Jancis Robinson’s ‘Wine Grapes’

Question 6

Allowed & Recommended Tinto Madeira Grapes

Answer 6

Recommended Tinto Casta:

• *Bastardo**
• only a miniscule amount of this is planted here anymore.
• *Malvasia Cândida Roxa**
• (aka: Malvasia Roxa)*
• *Tinta**
• (aka: Tinta da Madeira)*
• *Tinta Negra**
• (aka Tinta Negra Molle)*
• most planted varietal on the island…?

Verdelho Tinto

===============

Recommended Branco Casta:

• *Terrantez**
• once thought to be identical to Folgasão, but now known as a distinct grape. This highly regarded grape no longer has any significant plantings.
• *Malvasia Fina**
• 85% min of this grape must be used in Boal**
• *Malvasia Cândida**
• (aka: Malvasia di Lipari)*
• was the main grape for Malmsey production; only 4 ha still remain planted (Malvasia Branca de São Jorge is the main grape used now)**
• *Sercial**
• (aka Esgana Cao - the “dog strangler”)*

Verdelho

===============

Also Authorized:

Tinto:
- Complexa, Deliciosa, Listrão, Triunfo

Branco:
- Caracol, Carão-de-Moça, Malvasia Branca de São Jorge, Moscatel Graúdo, Rio-Grande, Valveirinho

===============

** source = Jancis Robinson’s ‘Wine Grapes’

Question 7

What is the min percentage of grapes

for varietal to appear on the label in Madeira?

Answer 7

85% min if a vintage does not appear on the label.

100% if the wine is vintage dated.

Question 8

What two “noble” grapes virtually disappeared from Madeira after the 1870 phloxerra outbreak?

Answer 8

Bastardo

Terrantez

These varieties don’t graft onto other rootstocks well so it was difficult to transfer the on to Phylloxera resistant rootstock…

Question 9

What is

Saibro?

Answer 9

A decomposed red tufa soil of Madeira

Question 10

What is

Cascalho?

Answer 10

A stony soil of Madeira

Question 11

What is

Pedra Molle?

Answer 11

A sandy (arenaceous) soil, of decomposed yellow tufa of Madeira.

Question 12

What is

Massapes?

Answer 12

A clay soil of Madeira.

It is the result of the decomposition of dark tufa.

Question 13

What is Porto Santo?

Answer 13

This is the other island in the Madeira archipeligo that Madeira can be produced on.

• has mainly volcanic, and limestone soils

Question 14

ALL Allowed & Recommended Madeira Grapes

Answer 14

Recommended Branco Casta:

• *Terrantez**
• once thought to be identical to Folgasão, but now known as a distinct grape. This highly regarded grape no longer has any significant plantings.
• *Malvasia Fina**
• 85% min of this grape must be used in Boal**
• *Malvasia Cândida**
• (aka: Malvasia di Lipari)*
• was the main grape for Malmsey production; only 4 ha still remain planted (Malvasia Branca de São Jorge is the main grape used now)**
• *Sercial**
• (aka Esgana Cao - the “dog strangler”)*

Verdelho

===============

Recommended Tinto Casta:

• *Bastardo**
• only a miniscule amount of this is planted here anymore.
• *Malvasia Cândida Roxa**
• (aka: Malvasia Roxa)*
• *Tinta**
• (aka: Tinta da Madeira)*
• *Tinta Negra**
• (aka Tinta Negra Molle)*
• most planted varietal on the island…?

Verdelho Tinto

===============

Also Authorized:

Tinto:
- Complexa, Deliciosa, Listrão, Triunfo

Branco:
- Caracol, Carão-de-Moça, Malvasia Branca de São Jorge, Moscatel Graúdo, Rio-Grande, Valveirinho

===============

** source = Jancis Robinson’s ‘Wine Grapes’

Question 15

What is the ABV of the fortification spirit in Madeira?

Answer 15

95% ABV

Typically imported from France.

Question 16

Describe the Estufagem process

Answer 16

After fortification the wines are placed in large tanks with metal coils inside. These coils heat the wines to a temperature of:

45° - 50° C -or- 113° - 122° F

It spends a minimum 3 months at this temperature to slowly caramelize the sugars.

After this is the Estágio period where it must rest for at least 90 days before it can be transferred to cask for its final aging period.

*Wines cannot be bottled until 12 months after Estufagem.

*Wines may not be released until 10/31 on the 2nd year from harvest.

Question 17

Describe the Canteiro process

Answer 17

Wines are placed in casks in the attics of Madeira Lodges. These attics are exposed to the sun –through windows– and naturally heated each day.

This process must take place over a minimum of 2 years.

Wines that have undergone Canteiro may not be bottled until a minimum of 3 years total aging after the fortification (including the 2 years exposed to the sun).

Canteiro is typically used for the best wines a Lodge will produce. Many are destined to become Frasqueiras.

Question 18

What are Armazens de Calor?

Answer 18

Rooms used in a more delicate type of Estufagem process.

Barrels of Madeira are placed in these rooms which are slowly heated by nearby tanks or steam pipes. This process can take up to a year to “cook” the Madeira.

This process is most used by The Madeira Wine Company (Blandy’s, and Cossart-Gordon).

Question 19

What are Poios?

Answer 19

The name for the terraces of Madeira

Question 20

What are Latadas?

Answer 20

The name of the low hanging Pergola training system of Madeira.

Question 21

What are Levadas?

Answer 21

The system of canals on Madeira that help collect the rainwater from the upper high-altitude peaks.

Question 22

What are Partidistas?

Answer 22

Madeira traders who store wine and sell it at maturity to other traders for a profit.

Partidistas are similar to the almacenistas of the Sherry trade.

Question 23

What is Estagio?

Answer 23

The mandatory 90 days resting period wines must undergo in Madeira after they have finished being heated in Estufa.

After this resting period they are transferred to casks for their final aging period.

Question 24

At what temperature does the

Estufagem process take place?

Answer 24

45° - 50° C

-or-

113° - 122° F

Question 25

What are the aging requirements of Madeira (Normale)?

Answer 25

**\*2 years min aging** \*released 10/31 on 2nd year ========== _Rainwater_ \*youngest wine is 3 years old _Seleccionada_ *Finest - Choice - Select* \*3-5 years old _Reserve_ \*5-10 years old _Special Reserve_ \*10-15 years old _Extra Reserve_ \*15-20 years old _Solera_ \*5 years min in Solera (10% Max can be drawn each year) _Vinho de Canteiro_ \*2 years min in wood \*\* cannot bottle until 36 months after final fortification _Vinho do Estufagem_ \*can be bottled 12 months after Estufagem - may not be released until 2 year from harvest date _Colheita/Vintage_ \*5 years min aging from 10/31 before bottling _Frasqueira_ (must be vintage dated) \*20 years min in wood _Vinho da Roda Vinho da Torno Vinho da Volta_ (must be vintage dated) Underwent Torna Viagem

Question 26

What are the aging requirements of Madeira (rainwater)?

Answer 26

**\*youngest wine is 3 years old** ========== _Normale Aging_ \*released 10/31 on 2nd year _Seleccionada_ *Finest - Choice - Select* \*3-5 years old _Reserve_ \*5-10 years old _Special Reserve_ \*10-15 years old _Extra Reserve_ \*15-20 years old _Solera_ \*5 years min in Solera (10% Max can be drawn each year) _Vinho de Canteiro_ \*2 years min in wood \*\* cannot bottle until 36 months after final fortification _Vinho do Estufagem_ \*can be bottled 12 months after Estufagem - may not be released until 2 year from harvest date _Colheita/Vintage_ \*5 years min aging from 10/31 before bottling _Frasqueira_ (must be vintage dated) \*20 years min in wood _Vinho da Roda Vinho da Torno Vinho da Volta_ (must be vintage dated) Underwent Torna Viagem

Question 27

What are the aging requirements of Madeira (seleccionada)?

Answer 27

aka: *Finest - Choice - Select* * *\*3-5 years old** ========== _Normale Aging_ \*released 10/31 on 2nd year _Rainwater_ \*youngest wine is 3 years old _Reserve_ \*5-10 years old _Special Reserve_ \*10-15 years old _Extra Reserve_ \*15-20 years old _Solera_ \*5 years min in Solera (10% Max can be drawn each year) _Vinho de Canteiro_ \*2 years min in wood \*\* cannot bottle until 36 months after final fortification _Vinho do Estufagem_ \*can be bottled 12 months after Estufagem - may not be released until 2 year from harvest date _Colheita/Vintage_ \*5 years min aging from 10/31 before bottling _Frasqueira_ (must be vintage dated) \*20 years min in wood _Vinho da Roda Vinho da Torno Vinho da Volta_ (must be vintage dated) Underwent Torna Viagem

Question 28

What are the aging requirements of Madeira (reserve)?

Answer 28

**\*5-10 years old** ========== _Normale Aging_ \*released 10/31 on 2nd year _Rainwater_ \*youngest wine is 3 years old _Seleccionada_ *Finest - Choice - Select* \*3-5 years old _Special Reserve_ \*10-15 years old _Extra Reserve_ \*15-20 years old _Solera_ \*5 years min in Solera (10% Max can be drawn each year) _Vinho de Canteiro_ \*2 years min in wood \*\* cannot bottle until 36 months after final fortification _Vinho do Estufagem_ \*can be bottled 12 months after Estufagem - may not be released until 2 year from harvest date _Colheita/Vintage_ \*5 years min aging from 10/31 before bottling _Frasqueira_ (must be vintage dated) \*20 years min in wood _Vinho da Roda Vinho da Torno Vinho da Volta_ (must be vintage dated) Underwent Torna Viagem

Question 29

What are the aging requirements of Madeira (special reserve)?

Answer 29

**\*10-15 years old** ========== _Normale Aging_ \*released 10/31 on 2nd year _Rainwater_ \*youngest wine is 3 years old _Seleccionada_ *Finest - Choice - Select* \*3-5 years old _Reserve_ \*5-10 years old _Extra Reserve_ \*15-20 years old _Solera_ \*5 years min in Solera (10% Max can be drawn each year) _Vinho de Canteiro_ \*2 years min in wood \*\* cannot bottle until 36 months after final fortification _Vinho do Estufagem_ \*can be bottled 12 months after Estufagem - may not be released until 2 year from harvest date _Colheita/Vintage_ \*5 years min aging from 10/31 before bottling _Frasqueira_ (must be vintage dated) \*20 years min in wood _Vinho da Roda Vinho da Torno Vinho da Volta_ (must be vintage dated) Underwent Torna Viagem

Question 30

What are the aging requirements of Madeira (extra reserve)?

Answer 30

**\*15-20 years old** ========== _Normale Aging_ \*released 10/31 on 2nd year _Rainwater_ \*youngest wine is 3 years old _Seleccionada_ *Finest - Choice - Select* \*3-5 years old _Reserve_ \*5-10 years old _Special Reserve_ \*10-15 years old _Solera_ \*5 years min in Solera (10% Max can be drawn each year) _Vinho de Canteiro_ \*2 years min in wood \*\* cannot bottle until 36 months after final fortification _Vinho do Estufagem_ \*can be bottled 12 months after Estufagem - may not be released until 2 year from harvest date _Colheita/Vintage_ \*5 years min aging from 10/31 before bottling _Frasqueira_ (must be vintage dated) \*20 years min in wood _Vinho da Roda Vinho da Torno Vinho da Volta_ (must be vintage dated) Underwent Torna Viagem

Question 31

What are the aging requirements of Madeira (solera)?

Answer 31

**\*5 years min in Solera** (10% Max can be drawn each year) ========== _Normale Aging_ \*released 10/31 on 2nd year _Rainwater_ \*youngest wine is 3 years old _Seleccionada_ *Finest - Choice - Select* \*3-5 years old _Reserve_ \*5-10 years old _Special Reserve_ \*10-15 years old _Extra Reserve_ \*15-20 years old _Vinho de Canteiro_ \*2 years min in wood \*\* cannot bottle until 36 months after final fortification _Vinho do Estufagem_ \*can be bottled 12 months after Estufagem - may not be released until 2 year from harvest date _Colheita/Vintage_ \*5 years min aging from 10/31 before bottling _Frasqueira_ (must be vintage dated) \*20 years min in wood _Vinho da Roda Vinho da Torno Vinho da Volta_ (must be vintage dated) Underwent Torna Viagem

Question 32

What are the aging requirements of Madeira (vinho de canteiro)?

Answer 32

**\*2 years min in wood** **\*\* cannot bottle until 36 months after final fortification** ========== _Normale Aging_ \*released 10/31 on 2nd year _Rainwater_ \*youngest wine is 3 years old _Seleccionada_ *Finest - Choice - Select* \*3-5 years old _Reserve_ \*5-10 years old _Special Reserve_ \*10-15 years old _Extra Reserve_ \*15-20 years old _Solera_ \*5 years min in Solera (10% Max can be drawn each year) _Vinho do Estufagem_ \*can be bottled 12 months after Estufagem - may not be released until 2 year from harvest date _Colheita/Vintage_ \*5 years min aging from 10/31 before bottling _Frasqueira_ (must be vintage dated) \*20 years min in wood _Vinho da Roda Vinho da Torno Vinho da Volta_ (must be vintage dated) Underwent Torna Viagem

Question 33

What are the aging requirements of Madeira (vinho do estufagem)?

Answer 33

**\*90 days min in Estufa** **\*90 days min resting in Estagio period** **\*cannot be bottled until min 12 months after Estufagem** **- may not be released until 10/31 on 2nd year from harvest date** ========== _Normale Aging_ \*released 10/31 on 2nd year _Rainwater_ \*youngest wine is 3 years old _Seleccionada_ *Finest - Choice - Select* \*3-5 years old _Reserve_ \*5-10 years old _Special Reserve_ \*10-15 years old _Extra Reserve_ \*15-20 years old _Solera_ \*5 years min in Solera (10% Max can be drawn each year) _Vinho de Canteiro_ \*2 years min in wood \*\* cannot bottle until 36 months after final fortification _Colheita/Vintage_ \*5 years min aging from 10/31 before bottling _Frasqueira_ (must be vintage dated) \*20 years min in wood _Vinho da Roda Vinho da Torno Vinho da Volta_ (must be vintage dated) Underwent Torna Viagem

Question 34

What are the aging requirements of Madeira (colheita / vintage)?

Answer 34

**\*5 years min aging from 10/31 before bottling** ========== _Normale Aging_ \*released 10/31 on 2nd year _Rainwater_ \*youngest wine is 3 years old _Seleccionada_ *Finest - Choice - Select* \*3-5 years old _Reserve_ \*5-10 years old _Special Reserve_ \*10-15 years old _Extra Reserve_ \*15-20 years old _Solera_ \*5 years min in Solera (10% Max can be drawn each year) _Vinho de Canteiro_ \*2 years min in wood \*\* cannot bottle until 36 months after final fortification _Vinho do Estufagem_ \*can be bottled 12 months after Estufagem - may not be released until 2 year from harvest date _Frasqueira_ (must be vintage dated) \*20 years min in wood _Vinho da Roda Vinho da Torno Vinho da Volta_ (must be vintage dated) Underwent Torna Viagem

Question 35

What are the aging requirements of Madeira (frasqueira)?

Answer 35

**\*20 years min in wood** (must be vintage dated) ========== _Normale Aging_ \*released 10/31 on 2nd year _Rainwater_ \*youngest wine is 3 years old _Seleccionada_ *Finest - Choice - Select* \*3-5 years old _Reserve_ \*5-10 years old _Special Reserve_ \*10-15 years old _Extra Reserve_ \*15-20 years old _Solera_ \*5 years min in Solera (10% Max can be drawn each year) _Vinho de Canteiro_ \*2 years min in wood \*\* cannot bottle until 36 months after final fortification _Vinho do Estufagem_ \*can be bottled 12 months after Estufagem - may not be released until 2 year from harvest date _Colheita/Vintage_ \*5 years min aging from 10/31 before bottling _Vinho da Roda Vinho da Torno Vinho da Volta_ (must be vintage dated) Underwent Torna Viagem

Question 36

Madeira DOP | (Lic!)

Answer 36

**_Licoroso Only!!_** ~80 hl/ha~ ~17-22% min ABV~ **_Best Branco Casta_** Malvasia Candida, Malvasia FIna, Terrantez, Sercial, Verdelho **_Best Tinta Casta_** Bastardo, Malvasia Candida Roxa, Tinta da Madiera, Tinta Negra Mole, Verdelho Tinto ========== **_Normale Aging_** \*2 years min aging **_Rainwater_** \*3 years min aging **_Seleccionada_** *Finest - Choice - Select* \*3-5 years old **_Reserve_** \*5-10 years old **_Special Reserve_** \*10-15 years old **_Extra Reserve_** \*15-20 years old **_Solera_** \*5 years min in Solera (10% Max can be drawn each year) **_Vinho de Canteiro_** \*2 years min in wood \*\* cannot bottle until 36 months after final fortification **_Vinho do Estufagem_** \*can be bottled 12 months after Estufage - may not be released until 2 year from harvest date **_Colheita/Vintage_** \*5 years min aging from 10/31 before bottling **_Frasqueira_** (must be vintage dated) \*20 years min in wood _**Vinho da Roda Vinho da Torno Vinho da Volta**_ (must be vintage dated) Underwent Torna Viagem

Question 37

What are the aging requirements of Madeira (vinho da Roda/Torna/Volta)?

Answer 37

**Underwent Torna Viagem** (must be vintage dated) ========== _Normale Aging_ \*released 10/31 on 2nd year _Rainwater_ \*youngest wine is 3 years old _Seleccionada_ *Finest - Choice - Select* \*3-5 years old _Reserve_ \*5-10 years old _Special Reserve_ \*10-15 years old _Extra Reserve_ \*15-20 years old _Solera_ \*5 years min in Solera (10% Max can be drawn each year) _Vinho de Canteiro_ \*2 years min in wood \*\* cannot bottle until 36 months after final fortification _Vinho do Estufagem_ \*can be bottled 12 months after Estufagem - may not be released until 2 year from harvest date _Colheita/Vintage_ \*5 years min aging from 10/31 before bottling _Frasqueira_ (must be vintage dated) \*20 years min in wood

Question 38

What are the aging requirements of All aging levels of Madeira?

Answer 38

~17 - 22% ABV~ \*2 years min aging **_Vinho de Canteiro_** \*2 years in wood, - may not be bottled for 36 months after the final fortification. **_Vinho de Estufagem_** \*90 days min "ccoking" in the Estufa \*May not be bottled until 1 year from the conclusion of the estufagem process \*This 1 year includes the mandatory 90 days "Estagio" resting period after "cooking" in the Estufa - may not be released until 10/31 on 2nd year from the harvest. **_Reserve/Reserva_** \*5 years min aging **_Colheita_** \*5 years min aging **_Solera_** \*5 years in the solera - only 10% may be drawn off each year **_Special Reserve_** \*10 years min aging **_Extra Reserve_** \*15 years min aging **_Frasqueira_** \*20 years in wood - vintage - but cannot use term vintage - min 85% vintage _**Vinho da Roda Vinho da Torno Vinho da Volta**_ - wine that crossed the equator on a *_Tourna Viagem_*