MADEIRA

Question 1

Where the vines of Madeira Island are grown?

Answer 1

*On a small plots called ‘poios’ or terraces all around the coast of the Island.

Question 2

What makes the soils excellent in the Island for viticulture?

Answer 2

*The topsoil was enriched in the 15 century by a 7 year fire, and burn all the forests.

Question 3

Name the classic grape varieties for Madeira production (9)?

Answer 3

*Sercial- produces the driest win
*Tinta Negra-rainwater
*Terrantez
*Bastardo
*Boal-produces med-sweet
*Malvasia Fina-very sweet
*Malvasia red
*Verdelho-Produces off-dry wine
*Complexa

Question 4

What are the 4 Madeira styles, and how are they sold?

Answer 4

*Dry
*Med-Dry
*Med Rich
*Rich
*Sold as a 3, 5, 10 years old wines.

Question 5

At what % is fortified Madeira, and which spirit is used for the fortification?

Answer 5

*With 96% abv brandy from France and Spain and fortified to 17%abv.

Question 6

Describe the production method for sweet and med-sweet Madeira?

Answer 6

*Harvesting, pressing, and full maceration on the skins take place in auto-vinificators.
*Fermentation is stopped at 5-6% abv, and fortified up to 17%abv.

Question 7

What you know about Sercial grape variety?

Answer 7

*Grown on high altitudes at 800m, and produces the driest style.
*Excellent with Consomme soup or as an aperitif.

Question 8

What you know about Verdelho grape variety?

Answer 8

*The most widely planted white grape, and produce med-dry wines.
*Ideal with Consomme soup or as an aperitif.

Question 9

What you know about Rainwater style?

Answer 9

*A brand name for a light, med-dry styles produced from Tinta Negra.

Question 10

What you know about Boal grape variety?

Answer 10

*Produces med-sweet and more complex wines.
*Suitable for the end of the meal, or on its own.

Question 11

Describe ‘Vintage or Frasqueira Madeiras’?

Answer 11

*Produced from 85-100% of the named varietal and stated vintage.
*Must be matured for min of 20 years.

Question 12

What you know about Colcheitas Madeira?

Answer 12

*Produced from a 85-100% single vintage and grape variety
*Matured in oak for a min of 5 years, plus 1 year in a bottle.

Question 13

What is Extra Reserve?

Answer 13

*Min age of youngest wine in the blend is 15 years in wood.

Question 14

What means Special or Old Reserve?

Answer 14

*Min age of youngest wine in the blend is 10 years in wood.

Question 15

What means Reserve?

Answer 15

*Min age of the youngest wine in the blend is 10 years in wood.

Question 16

What means Finest?

Answer 16

*Matured for 3 years, usually in tanks.