Madeira DOC

Climate

Subtropical climate dominates. Mild temperatures year-round, abundant rainfall and humidity. Ocean breezes cool the vineyards.

Soil Structure

Volcanic basalt-based soils. Mineral structure creates marked salinity and concentration in wines.

Local Grapes

White grape varieties: Sercial – for dry and high-acid Madeira wines. Verdelho – off-dry, spicy aromas. Boal (Bual) – medium-sweet, nutty notes. Malvasia (Malmsey) – sweet, intensely aromatic wines.

Red grape varieties: Tinta Negra Mole (most widely used, versatile).

Wines Produced

Famous for fortified (distilled alcohol added) wines. Sercial is the driest style, Malvasia is the sweetest. Wines that can be stored for many years (even centuries) without spoiling.

Taste & Aroma Profile

Sercial: Dry, high acidity, citrus, mineral.

Verdelho: Lightly sweet, tropical fruit, spice.

Boal: Medium-sweet, dried fruit, hazelnut, caramel.

Malvasia: Very sweet, honey, chocolate, dried fig.

Overall: Intense acidity, highly aromatic, very long finish.