Madeira Wine Archives - Dr. Liz Thach, MW

1795 and 1840 Rare Madeira Wine To Be Auctioned at Christie’s

Madeira Wine. Photo Credit: Creative Commons One of the great benefits of studying to become a Master of Wine is that I was introduced to fine Madeira wines, and fell in love with them. The taste is especially enchanting because it is a combination of dried orange peel, caramel, hazelnut, and brown sugar, as well as many other complex notes, depending on the age and varietal. I am also amazed by the fact that Madeira wines never go bad, even after the bottle has been opened for years! So I was intrigued when I learned that one of the largest [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2023-03-23T15:05:15-07:00March 23, 2023|

Excellent Tour and Tasting at Henriques & Henriques Winery on Island of Madeira

(June 2013) - We arrived at the aging cellars of Henriques & Henriques Winery around 12:30 and spent a delightful two hours exploring the barrel rooms and tasting more than 20 amazing Madeira wines. Though the still wine is fermented elsewhere on the island, the historic cellars are located in Camara de Lobos, a suburb of Funchal near the ocean. Currently the 3rd largest producer on the island, and the only winery to own 11.5 hectares of vineyards (28.6 acres), Henriques & Henriques was founded in 1850 by Joao Joachim Henriques, but today is co-owned by CEO Humberto Jardim and [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-23T15:41:40-08:00July 3, 2013|

Operations Tour and Tasting at Barbeito Winery, Island of Madeira, Portugal

June 2013 - Our appointment to visit Barbeito Winery was scheduled for 10:30am, and Paulo drove his SUV expertly around the many twists and turns on the narrow road to the hilltop location. The CEO and winemaker, Ricardo, greeted us and we started the tour at the grape reception platform. As the tour progressed, we became more and more impressed with Ricardo’s energy, passion, and innovative spirit. Barbeito produces around 170,000 liters of wine per year (around 19,000 cases), including a variety of third-party labels such as the famous Historic Series. Ricardo said they purchase all of their grapes from [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-23T15:43:57-08:00July 3, 2013|

Pairing Madeira Wines with Food – Amazing 5 Course Meal at Chalet Vincente in Funchal

(June 11, 2013) - We enjoyed a 3.5 hour lunch at Chalet Vincente, a charming restaurant near the ocean in Madeira’s main city of Funchal. The menu was impressive, custom ordered in advance, and served with both Madeira fortified and still wines which accompanied traditional Madeira dishes. Appetizer: 5 year old H&H Sercial with Marinated Octopus and “Bolo do Caco” (Madeira Bread, unleavened with garlic) First Course: 5 year old Barbeito Verdehlo with Tuna simmered in a Tomato & Onion Sauce Second Course: Still Verdelho Wine Terras do Avô with "Espada Preta" (Black Scabbard Fish) lightly battered in a local [...]

By Dr. Liz Thach, MW|2021-01-19T00:08:53-08:00June 13, 2013|