The Terres de Madère wine appellation, located off the coast of Portugal, is a true treasure for wine enthusiasts and cellar managers. Primarily known for its fortified wines, Madeira offers a diversity of flavours and styles that delight the palate. The table wines, or 'Vinho de mesa', from the Terres de Madère are often overshadowed by their famous fortified counterparts, yet they are a noteworthy discovery for true aficionados.
The region benefits from a subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters, allowing for the balanced maturation of grape varieties used in production. The vineyards, perched on unique volcanic soils, imbue the wines with distinctive minerality and an inimitable character.
The principal grape varieties include Verdelho, Sercial, and Bual for white wines, and Tinta Negra and Malvasia for reds. These table wines offer a variety of aromatic profiles, ranging from vibrant fruity notes to more complex and spicy flavours.
For an enthusiast, managing a cellar with wines from the Terres de Madère means adding an exotic dimension to their collection, while celebrating a rich winemaking tradition deeply rooted in Portuguese history.