Madeira is a fortified wine that depends upon heat and evapouration to create consistent long lasting styles. The must is fortified, either to arrest fermentation for a Malmsey or a Bual, or later in the fermentation process, in the case of Sercial or Verdelho before undergoing its own very special maturation. The Canteiro process is employed for all 10 and 15 year old Madeiras from H&H where the wine is heated naturally in barrels over some months to enhance concentration and consistency of the wine. Sercial is the dryest style and exhibits delicious mouthwatering acidity. A dry wine with a clean aroma which shows the wines evolution. This wine is reminiscent of brown spices, nuts and citrus peel. It is a complex wine with fresh acidity and with an extraordinary long finish. An ideal aperitif or accompaniment to seafood and smoked fish. Best served chilled. Madeira should be cellared upright. It loves light, heat and air, but hates frost.
Madeira & Marsala from TheDrinkShop
