Collection: Madeira wine

• Blandy's
• Henriques & Henriques
• Justino's
• D'Oliveiras
• Barbeito

There are many different varieties of Madeira wine, each with its own unique flavour profile. Among the most popular are:

• Sercial: Very dry, with aromas of citrus fruits and almonds.
• Verdelho: Semi-dry, with aromas of tropical fruits and nuts.
• Bual: Semi-sweet, with aromas of raisins, caramel and spices.
• Malvasia (Malmsey): Very sweet, with intense aromas of honey, chocolate and dried fruit.
• Rainwater: A light, semi-dry style, often served as an aperitif.

The history of Madeira wine dates back to the 15th century, when Portuguese explorers settled on the island of Madeira and introduced grapevines from the Mediterranean region. The wine quickly became an important export, shipped along trade routes to the Americas and Asia. To preserve the wine during the long sea voyages, brandy was added to it.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, it was discovered that the heat and motion of the sea voyages caused the wine to develop more complex flavours. This led to the establishment of the ‘Estufagem’ process, in which the wine is heated to simulate the conditions of sea voyages. This method gives Madeira wine its characteristic robustness and longevity.

Madeira wine can also be used in cooking to add a special depth and complexity to dishes. Try using Madeira wine in sauces for meat dishes, soups or stews, or in desserts such as Madeira pudding or fruit cake.

Madeira wine should be served at different temperatures depending on the variety: dry varieties such as Sercial and Verdelho should be served slightly chilled at 12–14°C, whilst sweeter varieties such as Bual and Malvasia should be served at 14–16°C. Madeira wine pairs excellently with starters, strong cheeses, nuts, chocolate desserts and as an ingredient in sauces.

1. Flavour profile: Think about which aromas and flavours you prefer – dry and nutty, semi-dry or very sweet.
2. Occasion: Choose a Madeira wine that suits the occasion – whether as an aperitif, for cooking or as a dessert wine.
3. Age and style: Pay attention to the style of the Madeira wine and its age, as these factors significantly influence the taste.

• Longevity: Madeira wine can be stored for centuries without losing any of its quality.
• Versatile flavours: Madeira wine offers a wide range of flavours, from nutty and dry to rich and sweet.
• The perfect accompaniment to food: Madeira wine pairs beautifully with a wide variety of dishes, from starters to desserts.

Madeira wine offers a luxurious and versatile choice for many occasions. Its rich bouquet and ability to age for centuries make it a unique wine. Furthermore, when enjoyed in moderation, Madeira wine can provide a truly special tasting experience.

Madeira wine is a fortified wine produced using a special heating process. It is made from the Sercial, Verdelho, Bual and Malvasia (Malmsey) grape varieties and stabilised by the addition of brandy. Madeira wine is produced in a variety of styles, ranging from very dry to very sweet.

The production of Madeira wine begins with the grape harvest. After fermentation, the wine is fortified with brandy and heated to develop its characteristic flavours. The ‘estufagem’ process, in which the wine is heated to 45–50°C, simulates the conditions of sea voyages. The wine is then aged in oak barrels, often for many decades, before being bottled.