Madeira is a Portuguese-owned archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, 600 miles (970km) southwest of Lisbon and 450 miles due west of the North African coast. It gives its name to one of the world's great fortified wines. Both the wine and the island hold unique places in the history of wine. All fortified wine from the island is now produced under the Madeira DOC, while the table wines are sold under the VR (Vinho Regional) title Terras Madeirenses.
The island of Madeira was discovered in 1419, by Portuguese mariners exploring the west coast of Africa (they also visited the Canary Islands). They encountered Dense laurisilva forests – the reason for the name Ilha da Madeira "the island of wood" – much of which were cleared to make way for sugar plantations and vineyards (the remaining forests are now a World Heritage Site).
For almost two centuries, the wines made here remained relatively unknown, and were of little economic significance. Things changed dramatically in the mid-17th Century however, when the island became a key supply station for ships en route to India and the Portuguese colonies in Brazil.
During this time demand for Madeira's wines boomed.
The early Madeira wines were produced in the image of those from the Portuguese mainland, and lacked the Structure and stability required to survive Long sea voyages. Over time, it was discovered that an addition of high-proof spirit solved this problem, and by the middle of the 18th Century such fortification had become the norm. A second discovery – that this New style of fortified Madeira acquired Complex, desirable flavors on long, hot voyages – led to the Madeira wine style that exists today.
Portuguese, an ancient grape variety cultivated in particular in the Minho region and on the island of Madeira. It should not be confused with the cerceal branco and cerceal du Dâo, which are also related to the ramisco, trincadeira from Alentejo, alvarelhâo from Douro, etc. The Sercial can be found in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Crimea, Russia, Argentina, South Africa, ... little known in France.
wines from the region of Terras Madeirenses go well with generally quite well with dishes of sweet desserts, appetizers and snacks or beef such as recipes of homemade cookies, seaweed tartar or cataplana with seafood.
On the nose in the region of Terras Madeirenses often reveals types of flavors of peach, brown sugar or orange peel and sometimes also flavors of black fruit, dried fruit or dried fruit. In the mouth in the region of Terras Madeirenses is a powerful with a good balance between acidity and sweetness.
Sequence from the video « At the heart of the Mâcon terroir » which offer a stroll at the heart of the Mâcon terroir. It offers a focus on Mâcon-Péronne, one of the 27 geographical denominations of the Mâcon appellation. Travel through the terroirs of the Mâcon appellation by watching the full video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF20y1aBZh8 Both are availablein French and English. Our social media: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BourgogneWines Twitter: https://twitter.com/BourgogneWine ...
On December 10, 2020, four Hong Kong personalities discussed Chablis wines on a live webinar: Yang LU, Master Sommelier and Official Bourgogne Wines Ambassador, Debra MEIBURG, Master of Wine, Ivy NG, Official Bourgogne Wines Ambassador and Rebecca LEUNG, wine expert. In this first 90-second clip, Yang LU explains how location is the key to understanding “Why Chablis is special”. #Chablis #PureChablis ...
On December 10, 2020, four Hong Kong personalities discussed Chablis wines on a live webinar: Yang LU, Master Sommelier and Official Bourgogne Wines Ambassador, Debra MEIBURG, Master of Wine, Ivy NG, Official Bourgogne Wines Ambassador and Rebecca LEUNG, wine expert. In this minute-long clip, Debra MEIBURG discusses the position of Chablis wines in the Hong Kong market. #Chablis #PureChablis ...
