Madeira Wine
Madeira Wine is a fortified and sweet wine produced in Madeira Island, Portugal. Like Port Wine, it is fortified with brandy during the fermentation process, which stops fermentation and keeps residual sugar in the wine. This wine is made from four varieties of grapes, namely Sercial, Verdelho, Boal and Malvasia. These grapes are harvested from steep slopes on Madeira Island and undergo a special aging process, which involves exposure to heat and sunlight. This process is known as "estufagem" and helps to develop the characteristic flavor of Madeira Wine. Wine is classified according to sweetness and aging time, with the most common types being Sercial, Verdelho, Bual and Malvasia. It is prized for its complexity and richness of flavor, and is used in many Portuguese and international dishes. Madeira Wine is considered a national treasure of Portugal... Did you know?