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.
Most certainly Portuguese, not to be confused with the Touriga Franca also of the same origin. In Portugal, where it is widely cultivated, it is used to produce, among other things, the famous red Porto. It is also found in Uzbekistan, Australia, South Africa, Cyprus, Spain, etc... very little known in France, although it is listed in the Official Catalogue of A1 vines.
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 apple pie, peach and tuna verrine or roast beef in a crust (onions & mustard).
On the nose in the region of Terras Madeirenses often reveals types of flavors of coffee, vegetal or black fruit and sometimes also flavors of tree fruit, pecan or dried fig. In the mouth in the region of Terras Madeirenses is a powerful with a good balance between acidity and sweetness.
Spanish police were investigating after thieves broke into the cellars of Michelin-starred Coque via a next-door property and stole prized bottles of wine from the top Madrid restaurant. Around 132 bottles have been taken, according to an initial count. The full value of the wines stolen was still being assessed but it was estimated to be at least €150,000, said Cristina Pérez Olmos, communications director for Coque. Some bottles had been in the cellars for many, many years and could be hard to ...
Ministers have said plans to link duty tax more closely to alcohol levels (abv) from February 2023 will create a simpler and fairer system, but UK wine trade leaders have called for a government rethink. The issue is coming to a head as a government-led consultation period nears its 30 January deadline. While plans to abolish the premium tax rate on sparkling wine have been widely welcomed, the new system would see duty increase on some still and fortified wines. This could lead to price rises, ...
I remember watching the London fireworks on television last New Year’s Eve. They were spectacular to watch, but where there would usually be throngs of spectators, the streets remained incongruously empty. Social distancing was still in force. It reminded me of my year’s wine drinking up to that point: some dazzling bottles, but often enjoyed without company – or via a screen. As 2022 began, the Covid-19 pandemic gradually relaxed its grip and many of us hurried back to everyday life. The usual ...
