If you’re curious about Madeira Portuguese fortified wine, you’re not alone. From its unique production method to its diverse flavour profiles and long shelf life, Madeiran wine is one of the most fascinating fortified wines in the world. I’ve lived in Madeira all my life, and I’m still discovering new things about this remarkable drink.
After writing a general post about Madeira wine (which you can read HERE), I’ve decided to answer the most frequently asked questions I receive. Whether you’re planning a trip, browsing for a bottle, or looking for the perfect wine for cooking, I hope this guide helps you explore the wonderful world of Madeira wine.
- Is Madeira wine red or white?
- What is the Madeira wine alcohol content?
- How long does Madeira Wine last?
- How long does Madeira wine last once open?
- Does Madeira age in the bottle?
- How do you store Madeira Wine?
- How many are Madeira Wine glasses in a bottle?
- How to drink Madeiran wine?
- Pairing Madeira with food
- Madeira wine tasting: What does Madeira Wine taste like?
- Madeira wine calories
- Madeira Wine in cooking: What kind of Madeira wine is best for cooking?
- What is Madeira sauce made of?
- What is Madeira Wine substitute?
- What is the best Madeira Wine? Where to buy Madeira Wine?
- How much does Madeira wine cost?
- Madeira wine vs Port
- Madeira wine vs Marsala: What’s the difference between Madeira Wine and Marsala wine?
1. Is Madeira wine red or white?
Madeira Portuguese fortified wine can be made from both white and red grapes. Classic styles such as Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, Malvasia, and Terrantez are made from white grape varieties. Tinta Negra Mole, the most widely planted grape, is red.
2. What is the alcohol content of Madeiran wine?
Madeira wine is fortified with grape spirit during fermentation, resulting in an alcohol content between 17% and 20% ABV.
3. How long does fortified wine from Madeira wine last unopened?
Fortified wine from Madeira is virtually indestructible. Thanks to its unique oxidative ageing and heating process, it can last for decades—or even centuries—when properly sealed.
4. How long does Madeira wine last once opened?
Unlike most wines, an opened bottle of Madeira can last for several months or even years. Richard Mayson famously said, “Fine Madeira comes to no harm even if left on ullage for years.”
5. Does fortified wine from Madeira wine age in the bottle?
Yes, fortified wine from Madeira continues to evolve in the bottle. Most commercial styles are ready to drink upon release, but vintage Madeiras can continue to improve and gain complexity for many years.
6. How should Madeira wine be stored?
Store Madeira wine upright, away from direct sunlight, and at a stable, cool temperature. Vintage bottles may require re-corking every 20 to 30 years.
7. How many glasses in a bottle of Madeira wine?
While a standard 750ml bottle of red wine typically yields about five glasses, the number can vary for fortified wine from Madeira. Due to its higher alcohol content—up to 20%—Madeira is served in smaller quantities and glasses. As a result, a standard bottle of Madeira wine generally provides around eight small servings. Dessert wines are often bottled in 375ml formats, which yield approximately four glasses.
8. How to drink Madeiran wine?
Dry styles (Sercial, Verdelho) should be served slightly chilled (around 12°C), while sweeter styles (Bual, Malvasia) are best at room temperature (14–16°C). Use a tulip-shaped glass to concentrate the aromas. Madeira is incredibly versatile: enjoy it as an aperitif (dry styles), with a meal, or as a Madeira dessert wine (sweeter styles). Ordinary Madeira does not require decanting, but vintage Madeira bottles benefit from being decanted in advance.
9. What foods pair well with Madeira, Portuguese fortified wine?
Madeira, a Portuguese fortified wine, is typically associated with dessert, but its range of styles and notable acidity make it a versatile companion to food. Dry Madeira pairs excellently with cheese, smoked nuts, seafood, and charcuterie. The sweeter styles, especially Bual and Malvasia, go beautifully with chocolate desserts, rich puddings, blue cheese, and game dishes.
10. What does Madeira wine taste like?
Madeira wine has a distinctive and layered taste unlike any other fortified wine. It combines vibrant acidity and up to 20% alcohol with complex flavours developed during its unique heating and ageing process. Expect notes of dried fruits (figs, raisins, hazelnuts), caramel, chocolate, coffee, vanilla, orange zest, spices, and toasted wood.
11. How many calories are in Madeiran wine?
Madeiran wine, like other fortified wines, tends to be higher in calories due to its alcohol and residual sugar content. On average, there are around 165–180 calories per 100ml, depending on the style and sweetness level. 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.
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. Drier varieties, such as Sercial or a 3-year-old Reserve, are generally preferred for savoury dishes as they provide depth without overpowering sweetness. These are excellent for both red and white meats, although they tend to yield a darker sauce. Bual and Malvasia are more suitable for desserts or sweeter reductions. Whenever possible, choose a wine aged for at least three to five years for a richer flavour.
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 and need an alternative for cooking, several fortified wines work well. Port and Marsala are two of the closest substitutes in terms of sweetness and depth. 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 bottles aged 10 years or more, or labeled “Colheita” or “Vintage.” Buy directly from producers or wine lodges in Funchal for the best selection. Top Madeira wine producers include:
- Blandy’s Madeira (Madeira Wine Company)
- Barbeito
- Pereira D’Oliveira
- Henriques & Henriques
- Justino’s Madeira
- H.M. Borges
- Artur de Barros e Sousa
16. How much does Madeira wine cost?
Madeira wine prices vary widely depending on age and rarity. A 3-year-old blend can cost around €8, while premium Colheita or Vintage bottles may range from €30 to several hundred euros. The rarest and oldest Madeira wines—particularly those made from Terrantez—can reach astonishing prices. One of the most expensive Madeira wines ever sold was a 1715 Terrantez bottle, auctioned by Christie’s for €24,000.
17. What is the difference between Madeira and Port wine?
Although both are fortified wines produced in Portugal, they differ significantly in production and characteristics. Port wine comes from the Douro Valley on the mainland, while Madeira is produced on the subtropical island of the same name. Madeira undergoes a unique ageing process involving heat and oxygen exposure—conditions usually avoided in winemaking—which enhances its longevity and complexity. Port is aged reductively and tends to be fruitier and more delicate. Madeira is typically stored upright and lasts far longer after opening, while Port is stored on its side and should be consumed within a month once opened.
18. Madeira vs Marsala: What’s the difference?
Both Madeira and Marsala are fortified wines with high alcohol content (15–20% ABV), and their flavour profiles can include nuts, brown sugar, honey, and dried fruits. However, their origins and production processes differ greatly. Madeira wine hails from Madeira, Portugal, and is oxidised and heated as part of its maturation. Marsala, from Sicily, Italy, is not subjected to heat and follows a simpler ageing process. Additionally, they use different grape varieties. Madeira wines are known to age longer and develop deeper complexity over time.
Whether you’re attending the Madeira Wine Festival, booking a Madeira wine tour, or just picking up a bottle at home, I hope this guide has deepened your appreciation of this unique wine.
If you’re interested in exploring Madeira’s food and wine culture, check out our themed tasting tours or the Madeira Self-Driving Guidebook.
Cheers to discovering the world of Madeira wine!
