Madeira wine is aged in wooden casks.
Madeira wine originates from the island of Madeira, located in the Atlantic Ocean near Portugal. Madeira wine was created in the 15th century by sailors. In order for the wine to last on their long journeys, they fortified it with brandy, which gave Madeira its famed longevity. Madeira wine is labeled in four major types, based on the grape used: Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malmsey. Madeira also has four grades, based on the age of the wine: reserve, which is aged for at least five years; special reserve, aged for at least 10 years, and extra reserve, aged for 15 years or longer. Frasqueira is also a grade sometimes used to label vintage Madeira, aged at least 20 years.
Sercial
Sercial has a pale, light color. The driest type of Madeira, it is usually aged for at least eight years, and as it ages it becomes mellower and darker. Sercial works well as an aperitif. This type of Madeira is often paired with fish, and like most Madeiras, it pairs well with cheese, dried fruits, and nuts. Sercial is best served slightly chilled.
Verdelho
Verdelho is a golden, medium-bodied light wine with a dry finish. Traditionally, Verdelho was served with fruity cake. A style of wine made from Verdelho is a less potent wine called "rainwater" Madeira. The name derives from Madeira wine barrels that were left outside on the ships. When it rained, the water seeped in and slightly diluted the taste.
Bual
Bual, sometimes known as Boal, ranges in color from brown to gold. It is medium sweet, fragrant, and fruity and has a velvety texture. Bual is served as a dessert wine, often as an alternative to port.
Malmsey
Malmsey is the original grape used in making Madeira, and some bottles date back over 200 years. The dark nut-brown colored wine is the sweetest type of Madeira. Like Bual, Malmsey works as an after-dinner digestif.
Other Types
Less common types of Madeira include Bastardo, Muscatel, and Terrantez, which are increasingly rare, and are now known more as styles of Madeira instead of official types. Tinta Negra Mole, also called Tinta de Madiera and Negre Mole, is a grape used in all madeira wine blends. However, Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malmsey Madeira must contain less than 15 percent Tinta Negra Mole. If more than 15 percent of this grape is used, it is sold instead as Tinta Negra Mole Madeira.
Tags: aged least, grape used, Bual Malmsey, Madeira wine, Negra Mole, Tinta Negra, Tinta Negra Mole
