Madeira

Question 1

What are the grapes permitted in Madeira?

Answer 1

1. Sercial
2. Verdelho
3. Boal
4. Malvasia Fina
5. Tinta Negra
6. Terrantez
7. Malvasia
8. Bastardo
9. Complexa

Question 2

What are the style of Madeira?

Answer 2

1. Sercial - the driest
2. Verdelho - Off Dry
3. Bual/Boal - med Dry
4. Malvasia - Very sweet

Question 3

Sercial

Answer 3

aka Exgana Cao in Bucelas
Typically grown at higher alttitude (800asl), last to be picked.
-driest style of madeira.
-light amber in colour with almond character

Question 4

Verdelho

Answer 4

most widely grown for white grapes varieties at 100-600asl altitude.
- off dry and light gold colour

Question 5

Rainwater

Answer 5

Light, medium dry style Madeira made of Tinta Negra

Question 6

Boal / Bual

Answer 6

Slightly darker, medium sweet and more complex
grown below 400asl, and first to be picked.

Question 7

Malmsey

Answer 7

Made from Malvasia grapes (mainly Malvasia Branca de Sao Jorge.
Grapes are grown on below 300m asl
Sweet and Luscious

Question 8

Tinta Negra

Answer 8

Now classified as classic varieties and may be sold under its name.
May be used for dry or sweet styles

Question 9

Vintage / Frasqueira Madeiras

Answer 9

Made from min of 85% of stated varietal and/or vintage
Matured for min 20 years

Question 10

Colheitas Madeiras

Answer 10

Made of min 85% of single vintage and single varieties.
Matured for min 5 years in oak plus 1 year in bottle

Question 11

Other styles of Madeira

Answer 11

1. Extra Reserve; Min age of youngest blend is 15years
2. Special or Old Reserve; Min age of youngest blend is 10years
3. Reserve ; min age of youngest blend is 5years
4. Finest; 3 years of maturation, normally in tanks