MADEIRA

THE MADEIRA ISLAND

The viticulture in Madeira dates back almost to the period of their occupation in the fifteenth century. It is estimated that it was at that time that has occurred the introduction of the first vines, of portuguese and foreign origin, of other parts of Europe. But it was through the English merchants, when this people settled in Madeira nearly two centuries later, that the culture of the vine has been developed in a faster way with outlines more commercials.

Although it is the Madeira fortified wine that has the largest and most notorious prominence in Madeira wines, came out later to realize it that the island also produces white, red and rosé wines with distinction. This distinction culminated in the creation and implementation of the wines DO Madeirense.

The Madeira climate is very varied, with microclimates, with drier areas in contrast to other, more humid and rainy. On the whole, it can be stated that the island of Madeira has a moderately temperate climate, with oceanic characteristics, and with a milder pattern in the southern part of the territory. The geography of soils points to volcanic soils, clayey and rich in organic matter source. The synergy of these characteristics associated with the art know-how of the people of the island, confers distinction, uniqueness and excellence to the wine produced.

GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION TERRAS MADEIRENSES

The Geographical Indication Terras Madeirenses was created in 2004 and was born of the effort that has been applied to developing the potential for wine production in the region. The choice and selection of varieties and the effort applied into continuously improving methods and techniques of production and cultivation culminated in this denomination.

GEOGRAPHICAL AREA

• Madeira and Porto Santo Islands.

RED GRAPE VARIETIES

• Aragonez;
• Bastardo;
• Cabernet-Sauvignon;
• Complexa;
• Deliciosa;
• Malvasia-Cândida-Roxa;
• Merlot;
• Syrah;
• Tinta-Barroca;
• Tinta-Negra;
• Touriga-Franca;
• Touriga-Nacional.

WHITE GRAPE VARIETIES

• Arinto;
• Arns-Burguer;
• Carão-de-Moça;
• Chardonnay;
• Chenin;
• Folgasão;
• Malvasia-Branca-de-São-Jorge;
• Malvasia-Cândida;
• Malvasia-Fina;
• Sauvignon;
• Sercial;
• Tália;
• Verdelho.