Promotio
n
he islandofMadeirahas a
historyofwineproduction
so rich, it rivals thewines
themselves. Acombination
of optimumconditions,
from landscapeand volcanic soils, toa
warm islandclimateanda strict production
process, guarantees guests thebest quality
wines. TheMadeira landscape–which sits
in theAtlanticOceanand, togetherwith
PortoSanto, theDesertas and the
Selvagens islands,makesup the
ArchipelagoofMadeira–has an ideal
balancebetween sea, forest,mountains
and valleys. Across itsdramatic landscape
lies around500hectaresof vineyards,
dedicated tooneof Portugal’soldest
occupations. Ahigh-qualityproduction
process is thefinal stage toensure
excellence,with fortificationand the
heatingprocesses
canteiro
and
estufagem
as key factors.
Although it’s difficult topinpoint the
exact timewhen thefirst vineswere
planted in the region andwhat their
Vinecountry
Awarmclimateandrichhistoryofwineproduction
makeMadeira the idealplace tosampleabottle
varietieswere, historical records dating
from 1450 show that theMalvasiaCândida
grape varietywas introducedduring the
first years of colonisation. Documents by a
Venetiannavigator known as Luís de
Cadamosto say, “Of the various vine
varieties, InfanteD. Henriqueordered that
lands shouldbeplantedwithMalmsey
brought fromCandia and these are
growing verywell.” It proves that 25 years
after thebeginningof the island’s
colonisation, theexport ofMadeirawine
had already begun.
Today,Madeirahas a strict quality
control –grantedby theMadeiraWine,
Embroidery andHandicraft Institute
(IVBAM),whosemain role is toorganise,
legislateandcontrol production.Wines
are tested in labsbeforegoing through
a tastingpanel.Only then is thewine
grantedanofficial stamp.
T
+351291211600,
vinhomadeira.pt
“Across its dramatic
landscape lies around
500hectares of
vineyards”
