If you’re curious about Madeira Portuguese fortified wine, you’re not alone. From its unique production method to its wide-ranging flavour profiles and legendary longevity, Madeira wine is one of the most distinctive fortified wines in the world. I’ve lived in Madeira all my life, and I’m still discovering more about this fascinating drink.
In this guide, I answer the most frequently asked questions travellers ask about Madeira wine. And for those planning a trip, I’ve included helpful tips on the best ways to explore Madeira wine and spirits through expertly guided tours and immersive local experiences.
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1. Is Madeira wine red or white?
Madeira Portuguese fortified wine is made from both red and white grape varieties. Classic styles, such as Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, and Malvasia, are made from white grapes. However, Tinta Negra Mole, the island’s most planted variety, is red. Despite this, most Madeira wines are golden to amber due to oxidative ageing.
Want to see the vineyards and grapes up close? Join our Madeira Winery Tour & Lunch in SĂŁo Vicente and walk through the vines with a local expert.
2. What is the alcohol content of Madeira wine?
Madeira fortified wine typically ranges from 17% to 20% ABV. The alcohol is added during fermentation to stop the process and preserve the natural sugar levels.
3. How long does Madeira wine last unopened?
Unopened Madeira wine can last indefinitely. Its unique heating and oxidative ageing process makes it one of the most stable wines in the world.
4. How long does Madeira wine last once opened?
Madeira wine remains drinkable for months—even years—after it is opened. Store it upright in a cool place, and it will retain its flavour and complexity. Richard Mayson said, “Fine Madeira comes to no harm even if left on ullage for years.”
5. Does Madeira wine age in the bottle?
Vintage Madeira wines can continue to evolve in the bottle. However, most commercial styles are already matured through the canteiro system before bottling and are ready to drink.
6. How should Madeira wine be stored?
Store Madeira wine upright in a cool, stable environment, away from light. Vintage bottles may require re-corking after 2 to 3 decades.
7. How many glasses are in a bottle of Madeira wine?
A standard 750ml bottle of Madeira wine typically serves around 8 small glasses. Because it is a fortified wine with an alcohol content between 17% and 20%, it’s poured in smaller quantities — usually between 75ml and 90ml per glass. This is different from regular wines, which are often served in 150ml portions. Dessert-sized bottles (375ml) typically yield approximately 4 glasses.
If you’re curious to sample several styles without committing to full bottles, consider joining a Madeira wine tasting tour. These experiences offer guided insight and a variety of pours, helping you explore the full spectrum of Madeira wine flavours — from dry to sweet — in just one session.
8. How to drink Madeiran wine?
Serve dry styles, such as Sercial and Verdelho, slightly chilled (around 12°C), while sweeter styles, like Bual and Malvasia, are best served at room temperature (14–16°C). Use a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the aromas. Madeira wine can be enjoyed in various settings: as an aperitif, with a meal (dry styles), or as a dessert wine (sweeter styles). Ordinary Madeira doesn’t require decanting, but vintage bottles benefit from it.
Curious about how to taste Madeira wine properly? Our Madeira Wine Tour in Funchal includes guided tastings at local producers and historic wine cellars.
9. What foods pair well with Madeira, Portuguese fortified wine?
Despite often being associated with dessert, Madeira wine is highly versatile. Dry styles, such as Sercial and Verdelho, pair well with cheese, seafood, smoked nuts, and charcuterie. Sweeter types such as Bual and Malvasia pair beautifully with chocolate, rich puddings, blue cheese, and game dishes. Its balanced acidity enhances both savoury and sweet dishes.
Our Private Scenic Winery Tour and Lunch includes expertly matched food and wine pairings, accompanied by panoramic vineyard views.
10. What does Madeira wine taste like?
Madeira wine offers a complex and layered flavour profile. Thanks to its unique production process, you can expect notes of dried fruits (figs, raisins), nuts, caramel, coffee, orange zest, vanilla, spices, and toasted wood. Its vibrant acidity and high alcohol content give it remarkable structure and freshness, even after decades.
Looking to explore the best of Madeira and Portuguese wines in one experience? Join our Gourmet Food & Wine Tour in Funchal, where premium wines from Madeira and mainland Portugal are paired with traditional local specialities, all served in some of the city’s top restaurants.
11. How many calories are in Madeiran wine?
Madeiran wine, like other fortified wines, is higher in calories due to its alcohol and residual sugar content. On average, there are 165–180 calories per 100ml, depending on the sweetness and style of the drink. Grapes, the base ingredient, are composed of approximately three-quarters water and one-quarter sugar. While red wine is often cited as the healthiest wine due to its antioxidant content from grape skins—such as procyanidins linked to heart health—Madeira’s long ageing and oxidation process also produces complex phenolics that contribute to its unique profile. As always, enjoy in moderation.
12. What type of Madeira Portuguese fortified wine is best for cooking?
All Madeira Portuguese fortified wine brands can be used in cooking, but the choice depends on the dish. Madeiran wine is produced in both dry and sweet styles. Dry styles such as Sercial or a 3-year-old Reserve are ideal for savoury recipes, providing rich depth to sauces without overpowering sweetness. These are excellent for both red and white meats, although they tend to yield a darker sauce. Sweeter varieties, such as Bual and Malvasia, work well for dessert sauces or glazes. Always choose a wine that you’d enjoy drinking—quality matters.
13. What is Madeira sauce made of?
Sauce Madère is a classic French brown sauce enhanced with Madeira wine. Traditionally, it is made by sautéing shallots and mushrooms in butter, adding thyme, bay leaves, peppercorns, and then deglazing with Madeira wine before blending into a demi-glace base. The result is a rich, velvety sauce commonly served with roasted meats, especially beef and veal.
Here’s a simple recipe for a Madeira wine sauce to serve with baked ham:
- Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a saucepan.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of flour to create a roux.
- Once bubbling, add 145 ml of meat or vegetable stock and 145 ml of Madeira wine.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer briefly until slightly thickened and serve over ham or roast meats.
14. What can I use as a substitute for Madeira wine?
If you can’t find Madeira wine near you, suitable alternatives include dry sherry, Marsala, or Port. These fortified wines share similar depth, but none replicate Madeira’s acidity and oxidative character. Dry sherry is another versatile option and perhaps the best flavour match, particularly for savoury dishes. Other possibilities include vermouth or red wine reductions, though they may lack the complexity of Madeira.
15. What is the best Madeira wine, and where can I buy it?
Look for age-stated bottles such as 10-year-old, Colheita, or Vintage. Some of the most reputable producers include Blandy’s, Barbeito, Henriques & Henriques, Justino’s, and Pereira D’Oliveira. You can buy these at wine lodges in Funchal or from specialised online retailers.
Want to try before you buy? Our tours let you sample a range of wines directly from the producers.
16. How much does Madeira wine cost?
Madeira wine prices vary considerably based on age, style, and rarity. Entry-level 3-year-old blends usually cost around €8, offering an accessible introduction to this Portuguese fortified wine. Higher-quality bottles labelled as Colheita or Vintage Madeira typically range from €30 to several hundred euros, depending on the producer and harvest year. The rarest and most prestigious wines—particularly those made from Terrantez, a nearly extinct grape—can command exceptionally high prices. One of the most expensive Madeira wines ever sold was a 1715 Terrantez, which fetched €24,000 at a Christie’s auction, illustrating the collectability and prestige of aged Madeira wine.
17. What is the difference between Madeira and Port wine?
Though both are Portuguese fortified wines, Madeira and Port differ significantly in production, flavour, and storage. Port originates from the Douro Valley on mainland Portugal, while Madeira is produced on the subtropical island of Madeira. The key distinction lies in the ageing method: Madeira is intentionally heated and oxidised, giving it exceptional longevity and complex nutty, caramelised flavours. In contrast, Port is aged reductively (protected from oxygen), resulting in a fruitier and softer profile. Storage also differs—Madeira wine is typically stored upright and can remain stable for years after it is opened. In contrast, Port wine is stored on its side and should be consumed within a month of opening for optimal taste.
18. Madeira vs Marsala: What’s the difference?
While both Madeira and Marsala are fortified wines with a high alcohol content (usually between 15–20% ABV), their differences lie in origin, production techniques, and flavour evolution. Madeira wine originates from Madeira, Portugal, and undergoes a distinctive ageing process involving oxidation and heat, which contributes to its remarkable stability and layered flavour profile. Marsala, produced in Sicily, Italy, is not heated and matures through a more conventional process. They are made with different grape varieties, and while both may exhibit flavours like nuts, brown sugar, honey, and dried fruits, Madeira wines tend to age longer and develop deeper complexity over time. Their culinary uses also differ: Madeira is often chosen for sauces with beef and poultry, while Marsala is commonly used in Italian recipes, such as Chicken Marsala.
Whether you’re attending the Madeira Wine Festival, planning a guided wine tour, or simply enjoying a bottle at home, I hope this guide has enriched your appreciation for Madeira’s exceptional wine.
To delve deeper into Madeira’s vibrant wine and food scene, explore our guided tasting experiences, designed to connect you with local producers and traditional flavours in authentic settings.
Prefer exploring at your own pace? Download our Madeira Self-Driving Guidebook for curated routes that lead you through scenic vineyards, wine lodges, and cultural highlights—perfect for independent travellers.
Cheers to discovering the world of Madeira wine!
