A guide to Madeira wine

What is Madeira wine?

If you visit Madeira, there’s one drink you simply can’t leave without tasting: its world-famous fortified wine. 

Known for its bright acidity, nutty character, and smooth, lingering finish, it’s become a hallmark of the island.

The wine’s unique style was discovered centuries ago, when casks were stored on ships making long sea voyages. 

The combination of heat and movement transformed the wine into something richer and more complex. 

Today, winemakers carefully recreate that same process on the island, producing bottles that can stay fresh for months after opening.

The history of Madeira wine

Madeira’s wine story begins in the 15th century, when the Portuguese island became a key stop for ships crossing the Atlantic. 

To help the wine survive long journeys, brandy was added to each barrel. Sailors soon realised that the warmth of the ship’s hold had created something extraordinary. The wine developed a richer, more complex flavour and gained the ability to age almost indefinitely.

By the 18th century, winemakers had learned how to recreate this transformation on land. The Canteiro method used the island’s natural heat, storing barrels in warm lodges for years. 

Later, the Estufa method was introduced, gently heating the wine in tanks to bring out the same caramelised and nutty notes.

Over time, Madeira wine earned a special place in history. It was served at the signing of American independence in 1776, mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays, and enjoyed by figures such as George Washington, Winston Churchill, and Thomas Jefferson.

Is Madeira wine red or white?

Most Madeira wine is made from white grapes such as Sercial, Verdelho, Bual (Boal), and Malvasia (Malmsey). There is also Tinta Negra, a red grape used to create both dry and sweet styles.

The colour in the glass changes with age. A young wine might shine pale gold, while an older one glows rich amber or deep mahogany.

What is the alcohol percentage of Madeira wine?

Madeira typically sits between 17.5% and 22% ABV. Drier styles are usually around 18 to 19 percent, while sweeter ones can be a little higher.

How Madeira wine is made

Madeira is fortified during fermentation with neutral grape spirit. This increases the alcohol content and locks in the flavour. The wine is then gently heated and aged.

• Canteiro method: wines age for years in wooden barrels in warm lodges, developing elegant layers of flavour.
• Estufa method: wines are warmed in temperature-controlled tanks for a shorter time, creating caramel and nutty notes.

Age statements such as 3, 5, 10 or 15 years show the youngest wine in the blend. Special single-year wines known as Colheita or Frasqueira/Vintage are aged longer for extra depth and character.

Truth in the tasting

Madeira wine comes with plenty of stories, but not all of them are true. Here are a few myths explained.

• Madeira wine is only for dessert: False. Drier styles like Sercial are perfect as an aperitif or with savoury dishes. Sweet styles such as Malvasia shine at the end of a meal, but Madeira is far more versatile than a dessert-only drink.
• You need to finish the bottle quickly once opened: False. Thanks to its unique production process, Madeira can stay fresh for weeks or even months.
• Only red grapes make sweet wines: False. Some of Madeira’s richest and sweetest styles, including Malvasia, come from white grapes.
• Older Madeira wine is always better: Not always. Older wines can be beautifully complex, but younger ones often bring fresh, lively flavours that are just as enjoyable.

What does Madeira wine taste like?

Madeira offers a balance of sweetness and freshness that makes it wonderfully versatile. Drier styles are crisp and tangy with notes of citrus and nuts. Richer styles bring flavours of toffee, raisins, figs, and dark chocolate.

What food goes with Madeira wine?

Pairing Madeira wine is easy. Start with the style you enjoy, then match the flavours.

Sercial (dry)

Style: crisp and zesty with citrus bite

Pairs well with: salted almonds, briny green olives, smoked salmon, fresh cheeses, oysters, sushi

Verdelho (medium dry)

Style: mellow with light honeyed notes

Pairs well with: cured ham, pâté, roasted vegetables, lightly spiced dishes, chicken liver parfait

Bual or Boal (medium rich)

Style: velvety with caramel and dried fruit

Pairs well with: hard cheeses, roasted nuts, fruit cake, caramel tarts, pâtisserie with nut praline

Malvasia or Malmsey (rich and sweet)

Style: plush, chocolatey and sweet

Pairs well with: tiramisu, coffee desserts, chocolate tart, Christmas pudding, sticky toffee pudding

Ideas by course:

• Aperitif: Sercial with salted almonds or olives
• Starter: Verdelho with cured ham or roasted veg
• Cheese: Bual with hard cheeses and roasted nuts
• Dessert: Malvasia with chocolate or coffee desserts

How to drink Madeira wine

• Serve: chill drier styles slightly, enjoy richer styles at cool room temperature.
• Glassware: choose a small white wine or fortified wine glass to concentrate the aromas.
• Storage after opening: seal and store upright in a cool place. Madeira stays fresh for weeks or even months.
• Older bottles: decanting is optional if there is sediment.

Grape varieties and sweetness guide

• Sercial: driest, with tangy citrus and nut flavours.
• Verdelho: medium-dry, with honeyed citrus and spice.
• Bual/Boal: medium-rich, with toffee, raisin, and baked apple notes.
• Malvasia/Malmsey: rich and sweet, with chocolate, coffee, and fig flavours.
• Tinta Negra: versatile red grape used across many styles.
• Terrantez and Bastardo: rare grapes found in limited releases.

How to choose the best Madeira wine for you

• Looking for something crisp before a meal? Try a 10 or 15-year Sercial.
• Want balance? Verdelho brings freshness with a touch of sweetness.
• For cosy evenings, Bual offers caramel depth and dried fruit flavours.
• Dessert calling? Malvasia is indulgent yet refreshing.
• And if you’re chasing complexity, seek out a Colheita or Frasqueira/Vintage, aged for decades.

Reading about Madeira wine is one thing. Tasting it on the island is unforgettable. Pair this with our Madeira walking holidays to get a true taste of Madeira.

The final word on Madeira wine

Madeira wine isn’t just a tipple, it’s part of the island’s story. From barrels rolling on ships centuries ago to the cosy wine lodges you can visit today, every glass carries a little piece of history.

There’s a style for everyone. Crisp Sercial for a pre-dinner sip, rich Malvasia to round off dessert, and plenty in between.

Of course, you could try it at home, but nothing beats sipping Madeira wine on the island itself. Pair your tasting with island views, honey cake, and a touch of Madeiran sunshine, and you’ve got yourself the perfect holiday memory.