The Island Terroirs The island is rich and diverse in terroirs. Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the vineyards are exposed to the ocean breeze and the grapes from vineyards planted at lower levels can show saline and iodine notes. It is virtually divided in two by a mountain that climbs up to 1,862m (6,109Ft) in altitude. Irrigation is provided by an ancient system of canals called “levadas” that brings water from the mountains down to the agricultural plots, until the ocean. |
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Soil The soils of Madeira are of predominant basaltic origin. They are clay based and have an acidic or very acidic pH level. These acidic, rich in mineral, iron and phosphor, and poor in potassium, which all contribute to the trademark acidity of the wine. The acidity is one of the most remarkable assets of the wines, allowing this unique wine to keep fresh even after having been bottled for many years |
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Climate Madeira has sub-tropical climate, with warm summer months and temperate winters. The North Coast's climate is temperate and subject to the north Atlantic winds, and therefore cooler and more humid. The mountains on the South Coast are also temperate because the temperature and humidity vary dramatically and on occasions, the peaks can become white from snow. Whilst the south side is warm and sunny. The climate contributes to a rich and diverse flora where flowers, fruit and vegetables grow in abundance. |
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Planting and Training The vines are planted in small terraces on the steep slopes around the Island. The traditional way of training the vine – in “pergolas” or trellises (known as “latada” in Portuguese) – is crucial to minimizing the impact of diseases caused by humidity and allows a planting density of 2,500 to 3,000 specimens per hectare. However, there are some areas where the” espalier” way of training vines is employed with success, allowing the planting of 4,600 to 5,200 vines per hectare. |
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Vineyards Due to the geography of the island, the vast majority of the vineyards are relatively small in size. Vineyards can be found from sea level up to an altitude of 800 meters, perched in small terraces known as "poios". So as to maximize the use of land, it was very common in the past to find grapes planted in pergola - or "/atada", as it is commonly known in Madeira - with vegetables planted at ground level. In the latter years, many vineyards have been reconverted to modern espalier conduction, which improves the maturation of the grapes due to increased sun exposure. |