Welcome to a deep dive into the world of Madeira, a fortified wine as enchanting as the island it hails from. Madeira’s layered history, unique production methods, and complex flavours have captivated wine lovers for centuries, and at Seven Cellars, we’re thrilled to offer some of the finest selections from this storied tradition—especially from one of the oldest and most respected houses: Justino’s.
The History of Madeira
Madeira wine’s origins trace back to the 15th century when Portuguese explorers first sailed from the Madeira archipelago, a group of volcanic islands west of Morocco. Early seafarers noticed that Madeira wine, fortified with brandy for preservation on long voyages, actually improved in flavour with time and heat exposure. Over the years, the tradition of heating the wine, a process called estufagem, became integral to its identity. By the 17th and 18th centuries, Madeira wine had gained popularity across Europe and the Americas, gracing the tables of royalty and notable figures—including its enthusiastic fan, Thomas Jefferson.
The word “Madeira” itself means “wood” in Portuguese, a reference to the island's rich forests. Interestingly, this etymology aligns well with the warm, toasty, and woody notes often found in the wine, a characteristic developed over time in barrel aging and heating.
The Madeira Grape Varieties
Madeira wine is unique for its use of specific grape varieties, each offering distinct flavours and character. While there are more than a dozen grapes used, four main varieties dominate: Sercial, Verdelho, Boal (Bual), and Malvasia (Malmsey). These grapes provide a range of sweetness levels, from the dry Sercial to the rich, sweet Malvasia.
- Sercial: Known for its dry, crisp profile, Sercial offers high acidity and delicate citrus notes. It’s perfect as an aperitif, offering refreshing flavours and a clean finish.
- Verdelho: Slightly richer than Sercial, Verdelho wines have a medium-dry profile with notes of ripe fruit, often leaning into honeyed and spicy flavours.
- Boal (Bual): With a medium-sweet character, Boal wines are celebrated for their caramel and toffee notes, often balanced by a zesty acidity.
- Malvasia (Malmsey): The sweetest of the Madeira wines, Malvasia is full-bodied, often described as dessert in a glass, with layered notes of dried fruit, molasses, and cocoa.
Madeira’s Unique Production Process
Madeira is one of the few wines in the world that’s intentionally heated during production, creating its unique, resilient character. Two main heating methods are used: estufagem, where wine is gently heated in stainless steel tanks, and the canteiro method, which involves aging wine in barrels under the natural warmth of the island. This process, along with the wine's high acidity, allows Madeira to age exceptionally well, sometimes for centuries.
Justino’s Madeira: A House of Excellence
Founded in 1870, Justino’s is among the oldest Madeira houses and stands as a beacon of quality and tradition. Located on the island’s southeastern coast, Justino’s has maintained its commitment to the classic Madeira wine style while integrating modern techniques to ensure consistency and depth of flavour. Their wines are celebrated for their complexity, and at Seven Cellars, we’re delighted to present some exceptional selections from Justino’s portfolio.
Let’s take a closer look at four notable offerings from Justino’s:
Justino’s 5-Year-Old Madeira
Justino’s 5-Year-Old Madeira is an excellent introduction to Madeira’s charm. Aged for five years, this wine strikes a balance between youthful brightness and mellow complexity. It offers notes of dried fruit, nuts, and a touch of honeyed sweetness balanced by refreshing acidity. The 5-year aging period gives it a smooth, approachable profile that pairs beautifully with hard cheeses, roasted nuts, or even spiced charcuterie.
Justino’s Boal 10-Year-Old Madeira
The Boal grape shines in this medium-sweet 10-Year-Old Madeira, boasting notes of caramel, butterscotch, and ripe fig with a vibrant acidity that keeps it from feeling overly rich. It’s aged for a decade, which adds depth and warmth while preserving a zesty freshness. This wine is perfect with dessert—think spiced apple pie or crème brûlée—and is also delicious on its own as a sumptuous after-dinner drink.
Justino’s Sercial 10-Year-Old Madeira
For those who appreciate a drier style, the Justino’s 10-Year-Old Sercial offers a refined, crisp profile. With ten years of aging, this Sercial is full of citrus zest, green apple, and a subtle hint of almond. The finish is clean and precise, making it ideal as an aperitif or paired with light seafood dishes, especially oysters or scallops. Its high acidity and dry character make it stand out among Madeira wines, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the typically richer styles.
Justino’s Malvasia 10-Year-Old Madeira
The richest of the four, Justino’s Malvasia 10-Year-Old, is a true dessert wine. Made from the Malvasia (or Malmsey) grape, it has a sweet profile filled with flavours of raisin, chocolate, and dried fig. Aged for ten years, this wine is intense, complex, and incredibly smooth, with a lingering finish that leaves a trace of dark caramel and spice. It pairs wonderfully with chocolate desserts, aged cheeses, or simply sipped slowly after a meal.
Why Madeira is a Fascinating Wine
Madeira’s resilience and ability to age for decades—or even centuries—set it apart from other wines. Each bottle tells a story of history, climate, and artistry. The interplay between sweetness, acidity, and warming flavours makes it a complex and rewarding wine to explore.
For those new to Madeira, the range from Justino’s offers an excellent starting point. Whether you’re drawn to the crisp notes of Sercial or the rich decadence of Malvasia, Justino’s wines reflect both tradition and an enduring quality that keeps Madeira relevant and fascinating.
Discovering Madeira at Seven Cellars
Seven Cellars is proud to offer this selection of Justino’s Madeira wines, each of which brings a unique expression of the island’s legacy. Next time you’re in Brighton, stop by to explore these offerings and take a journey through Madeira’s captivating world. From history to flavour, this is a wine experience not to be missed. Cheers to discovering one of the world’s most enduring and enchanting wines!