Madeira Wine: Everything You Need to Know - BriCember Day 7
Welcome back to Bri Books ‘BriCember,’ and the end of our Wine Week! Throughout the past week, we’ve been exploring my favorite wine regions and countries, and discussing how to plan the best wine menus. I wanted to end this week with a wine that defies time and expectations: Madeira.
Madeira Wine: How It’s Made and Three Bottles Worth Knowing
Madeira is one of the most misunderstood wines in the world. Produced on a volcanic island off the coast of Portugal, Madeira wine is fortified, heat-aged, and it offers some of the most complex flavor profiles in the wine world.
In this episode of Bri Books, we’re zooming out to understand what Madeira is, how it’s made, and then zooming back in to taste three producers whose wines show just how expressive Madeira can be. It was a joy to attend the Madeira Experience in New York City, and I can’t wait to learn more about this magical world of Madeira.
What Is Madeira Wine?
Madeira is a fortified wine produced on the island of Madeira, located in the Atlantic Ocean. After fermentation, grape spirit is added to stop fermentation, preserving natural acidity and structure. What makes Madeira unique is its intentional exposure to heat and oxygen during aging. This is a process that would ruin most wines, but defines Madeira. Once opened, Madeira lasts weeks or months, making it one of the most forgiving fine wines you can keep at home.
This heat-aging creates wines that are intensely flavored and able to last decades (or centuries) once bottled
Madeira’s style ranges from dry and savory to rich and dessert-like, depending on grape variety and aging.
Tasting Notes: Three Madeira Producers to Know
Justino’s produces wines that balance tradition with precision. Their Madeiras are clean, focused, and structured, with aging often done in oak casks. These wines are excellent introductions to Madeira, especially if you want clarity without losing complexity.
What you’ll taste:
Bright acidity anchoring the wine and notes of citrus peel, toasted nuts, and gentle caramel
Henriques & Henriques is especially known for its work with traditional Madeira grape varieties, including Verdelho, Terrantez, and Tinta Negra. The wines often show deeper savory tones and pronounced structure. These are Madeiras that pair beautifully with food (especially seafood, duck, and richer savory dishes.)
What you’ll taste:
Dried fruit, roasted nuts, subtle smoke, umami depth
D’Oliveiras (Imported by The Rare Wine Company)
D’Oliveiras wines are often aged for extraordinary lengths of time in large-format casks, resulting in wines that feel both ancient and alive.
What you’ll taste:
Concentrated flavors of caramel, spice, and dried citrus and layered textures that unfold slowly
These wines reward patience and attention—ideal for slow sipping and contemplative moments.
How to Drink Madeira (and What to Pair It With): Madeira Wine Food Pairing
Drier styles pair beautifully with oysters, seafood, and savory starters.
Richer styles work with duck, roasted dishes, and desserts.
Madeira is also one of the few wines that can comfortably move from aperitif to dessert in one meal.
Why Madeira Deserves a Place in Your Wine Life
Madeira is not a relic or a niche curiosity. It’s a living, evolving wine style that offers incredible value for age, unmatched stability, and a flavor spectrum unlike any other wine
Listen to the Episode
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