Madeira/ some port stuff Flashcards
Name the main varieties of Madiera from Driest to Sweetest
Sercial
Verdelho
Boal
Malvasia (Malmsey)
What is the most widely planted grape on the island of Madeira?
Tinta Negra Mole
How many years is reserve Madiera aged?
Minimum 5 years in wood
Name the three common methods of Madiera production today.
Place the wine in vats and heat with hot water pipes for three months/ place wine in heated warehouses for 6 to 12 months age the wine n now temp controlled warehouses for many years.
What are the four noble grapes used for top- quality Madiera production?
Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, Malvasia
What are the aging requirements for Colheita Madiera?
From a single vintage/ harvest and must spend @ least 5 years in cask
What is the minimum period of time that a basic Madiera will remain in an Estufa?
3 months
Key varietal in Madeira
Tinta Negra Mole
Describe climate, soil and viticulture of Madiera
Mountainous island w/ vineyards mainly on slopes of north and south coasts. Fungal diseases are a problem. Irrigation from mountainous through Levadas
What do the labelling terms for Madiera mean?
Finest, Reserve, Special Reserve, Extra Reserve
Finest- 3 yo
Reserve- 5 yo
Special Reserve- 10 yo
Extra Reserve- 15 yo
Name the 2 dry styles of varietal Madiera
Sercial and Verdelho
Is Madeira fortified during or after fermentation?
During
Name the 2 dry styles of varietal Madiera
Sercial and Verdelho
Is Madeira fortified during or after fermentation?
During
Port…
Made by adding brandy to arrest fermenting grape must. Sweet and high in alc (20%). Name is derived from Oporto (where it originates). Port= 1/2 of Douro’s wine production.
Port- History
17th Century trade wars between UK and France with punative levels of tax on French wines in 1693 by William III. “Blackstrap” astringent reds produced in Douro with added brandy for better transportation. 1678: Lamego Monastry where abbot was adding brandy during ferment. 1756: Douro boundaries made. 1st demarcation in world.
Port- Location
3 Regions; 1. Baixo Corgo, 2) Cima Corgo, 3) Douro superior
- coldest and westest 900m- lighter port styles (cheap Ruby/t)
- Heart of demarcation. Around Pinhao, low rainfall (700 mm) + higher temp, hi quality tawny, LBV and vintage. Most Quintas, largest under vine.
- Douro Superior: most east, most arid (400mm), tough landscape. Complex vintage port and premium port blends.
Port- climate
Hot continental, very dry. Increasing hot and dry further inland.
V. Unpredictable weather, excess heat (50c), frost (Douro sup) & unpredictable rain + summer/ Autumn hail.
Altitude from 80 to 600 m w/ better quality in lower altitude.
Port- soils
Shallow schist soil broken into terraces. Most vineyards in steep slopes.
Grape varieties
20 varieties approved. Most important Touriga Franca, Tinta Roriz, Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Cao
Touriga Franca
20% plantings> ALL ROUND. Lighter, softer and rounder. Tolerates heat + drought. Perfumed.
Tinta Roriz/ Tempranillo
16%> finesse and good length.
Medium color, medium tannin and concentration better in cooler years.
Tinta Barroca
12%> sweetness + jammy+ rustic. Rarely used as a varietal
Touriga Nacional
2%> aromatic and high color and tannins. Lo yields. Considered finest grape of Douro.