The Portuguese island of Madeira juts out of the Atlantic Ocean, a mass of volcanic precipices marked by tiny patchwork vineyards carved into its steep slopes. From these vineyards comes Madeira, the fortified wine that is like no other wine in the world.
More than two centuries ago, Madeira was the celebratory libation of choice at such auspicious occasions as the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the inauguration of George Washington. Thomas Jefferson frequently served the distinctive wine at the White House. But tastes change, and today few people know that Madeira is one of the world’s longest-lived wines.
Among the island’s most prominent shippers is the Madeira Wine Co., an association of four historic producers: Cossart Gordon, Leacock’s, Blandy’s and Miles. Other labels of note are Justino Henriques Filhos, d’Oliveira, Quinta de São and João Baptista.
Traditionally, fine Madeira has been made from one of four classic white-grape varieties. Sercial, the driest, is smooth and pale, with a keen, lively taste; it is often served chilled as an aperitif. Verdelho is golden and medium dry with a bright, vivid flavor. Bual (Boal in Portuguese) is sweet, satiny and darker, a wine to serve with dessert or with a pungent cheese. Malmsey, the sweetest and darkest Madeira, is full-bodied and rich, a dessert in itself. All Madeira share a vibrant, refreshing acidity. Another classic grape, Terrantez, is only rarely planted today. If you see one of its wines, buy it, as it will be an extraordinary experience. Vintage Madeira, produced only in exceptional years, is aged a minimum of 20 years in the cask and usually two more in the bottle before being released. Even then, it is considered a baby.
Along with the classic grapes, the red grape Tinta Negra Mole has been heavily planted since early last century. The reason: It grows easily and quite prolifically. Tinta Negra Mole accounts for much of the lesser-priced Madeira, such as the generic vintage called Rainwater.
But it is the classics that speak best for Madeira. Open a bottle and pour a sip each evening, and when you come to the last sip a month or two later, it will be just as flavorful as the first. Madeira is its own fountain of youth.
Read This Next
November 2006 Cover
2006 / November 2006
Nov 1, 2006![](https://www.globaltravelerusa.com/wp-content/uploads/group-904.png)
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Sep 6, 2024Indio, California is “Hot” Right Now, and We’re Not Talking About the Weather
Although most travelers are familiar with the name Palm Springs, the oldest city in the Greater Palm Springs region is Indio, California, Coachella Valley's "City of Festivals,” which has been experiencing an exciting downtown revitalization.
Sponsored Content
New Suites Brand Prototype Variations with Enhanced Flexibility for Business Travelers
IHG Hotels & Resorts unveiled new prototype options for three suite brands: Staybridge Suites, Candlewood Suites and Atwell Suites. By offering expanded design choices, IHG looks to meet the growing demand for flexibility among guests in the rapidly expanding suites space. Coupled with IHG Business Edge, these suite brands provide business travelers with a multitude of destinations worldwide, ideal for their stays.
September 2024
Sep 6, 2024Escape to Tahiti for a Captivating Island-Hopping Cruise
The 118 islands of French Polynesia reveal themselves layer by fascinating layer, with the spirit of mana (vital force) linking them all the way from Tahiti to the remote reaches of the Marquesas. This is part of the world best savored on a journey that dives as deep into culture as natural beauty, both above and below the water’s surface. A cruise makes it easy to cover a lot of ground while unpacking just once (and sneaking in some work done in comfort, too, during at-sea days). And cruising offers particular appeal within this semi-autonomous French territory sprawling across nearly 2 million square miles of ocean and covering five archipelagos.
Daily
Sep 6, 2024Experience the Awe of Fall Foliage at These 5 U.S. Hotels
‘Tis the season for flannels, pumpkin spice and beautiful fall colors. With seasons changing, leaves turn to stunning gold, red, orange and yellow, making it the perfect time for travelers to hit the open road and explore five fall foliage hotels in the United States.
Sponsored Content
Remarkable Medellín
Visiting Medellín in Colombia: The Country of Beauty is like stepping into a fantastic story — literally, as the city in the Western Colombian Andes region inspired Disney’s Encanto. Here, valleys, the world’s tallest palms, vibrant communities, colorful houses, garden-like balconies and more prove reality is more picturesque than anything on film. And it’s especially more tempting following Medellín’s remarkable transformation, shedding its troubled past and reawakening as a city of innovation, art, cultural richness, modern infrastructure, thriving tourism and resiliency.
Daily
Sep 6, 2024Finnair Celebrates 5 Years of Platinum Wing Lounge
Finnair’s exclusive Platinum Wing lounge in Helsinki opened in summer 2019 and recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. Open to Finnair and oneworld’s top-tier customers, the lounge offers travelers a place to drink, dine and unwind pre-flight. Featuring Nordic-inspired design, the lounge offers areas for working, relaxing and dining, accommodating up to 155 customers at a time.
Take a Look at Windstar’s New “Star Seeker”
Daily
Sep 5, 2024eFlyer Reviews
Sep 4, 2024The Shelbourne Review
Facing the vast St. Stephen’s Green in the heart of Dublin sits the iconic and historic The Shelbourne. Few hotels master the perfect blend of history and luxury, but The Shelbourne gets it right. The site of the signing of the Irish Constitution in 1922 granting the Republic of Ireland its freedom from England, The Shelbourne has hosted its fair share of notable figures, from Michael Collins to Princess Grace Kelly to John Ford, the latter of which was the name of my suite.
Sponsored Content
Daejeon Prepares for Its Iconic Zero O’Clock Festival
Daejeon, South Korea, looks forward to August 2024 and the return of its iconic tradition, the Zero O’Clock Festival. This year, the event is held Aug. 9 –17 with a time travel theme featuring past, present and future zones. Find events pertaining to each zone’s characteristics in the area of Jungang-ro Street, from Daejeon Station to the former site of the South Chungcheong Provincial Office. These streets will be free of vehicles, and public transportation is highly recommended.
eFlyer News
Sep 4, 2024Illinois Becomes First Great Lakes State to Ban Certain Single-Use Plastic Bottles in Hotels
All hotels in Illinois with 50 or more guestrooms are now required to eliminate the use of small, single-use plastic bottles containing personal care products in individual rooms and public bathrooms beginning July 1, 2025. By Jan 1, 2026, all hotels are expected to make this transition.
ShareThis