Depending on whether the winemaker wants a sweet or dry Madeira wine, fermenting will be disrupted to fortify it with the distilled spirit. In winemaking, the fermenting process is arguably the most crucial component - after all, it's what turns grape juice into wine. We'll delve into this unique process further. Madeira wine undergoes a remarkable aging process that sets it apart from its counterparts. Keep reading, and you'll see what we mean. īut unlike any other type of wine in the world (including its fortified brethren), Madeira is a singular creation thanks to its unique aging process.
Thanks to this added dose of alcohol, Madeira has a higher alcohol level compared to the average glass of wine - usually about 18-20% ABV versus 12% alcohol, which is standard in the United States. These geographical and climatic peculiarities make Madeira wine truly one of a kind.Īs with other fortified wines such as Marsala, Port, and Sherry, Madeira is made with a distilled grape spirit (usually brandy). The nature of the terroir also contributes to the acidity and mineral characteristics of Madeira wine. Some vineyards have rocky soils, while others are more volcanic in nature. Ranging from sweet to dry, it's primarily made with a handful of grape varieties, including Tinta Negra Mole, Sercial, Verdelho, Bual (also known as Boal ), and Malvasia (aka Malmsey ).Ī fascinating aspect that contributes to the distinctiveness of Madeira wine is the variety of soils found on the island, which impacts the nuances of the final wine. Madeira is a fortified wine that hails from the island of Madeira in Portugal, about 300 miles off the coast of Morocco. In this guide, we'll explore the details of this incredibly peculiar Portuguese wine, including how and where it's made, the different varieties available, and the best ways to enjoy it. (Even The Cheesecake Factory has chicken Madeira on the menu - apparently, it's their most popular chicken dish.)īut while it's a favorite when it comes to cooking wines, Madeira wine has much more to offer. That's because Madeira sauce is a classic in French cuisine, used with everything from roast beef and filet mignon to pork chops and chicken. Even if you've never sipped Madeira wine, you may have enjoyed a bite of it.
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