Tinta Negra

Considered a native variety of Madeira, it was actually brought from Andalusia during the 18th century. Versatile and productive, it accounts for approximately 80-85% of the islands wine production, being used predominately to make 3 year old wines. Depending on many factors of the region, the grapes can deliver richer or drier wines.

It is mainly grown on the North of the Island, in Sao Vicente and in the South, in Camara de Lobos.

Sercial

Palest and the driest of the classical madeira varieties, Sercial is known as ‘Esgano Cão’—‘dog strangler’—on the Portuguese mainland, a nod to its fiery, mouth-puckering acidity. Sercial wines are dry, light bodied, and exceptionally fresh, and present intense and vibrant aromas. With age Sercial color darkens to amber.

On the island, over 25 hectares are planted, on the south coast in Jardim da Serra at an altitude of 600-700 meters and on the north coast in Porto Moniz, Ponta Delgada and Seixal, at an altitude of 150-200 meters.

Verdelho

Verdelho produces gold colored, elegant wines which have a tropical and exotic character. The must has moderate sugar levels and a marked acidity and is always vinified to produce medium-dry fortified wines.

Occupying 58 hectares, mainly in the cooler climates of the North, being the most prolific in the regions of Porto Moniz, Ponta Delgada, Seixal and Sao Vicente, at an altitude of 400 meters. On the south coast, this varietal is found in the regions of Raposeira, Prazeres and Camara de Lobos at altitudes up to 600 meters.

Terrantez

Terrantez, a rare white grape, is used in the production of premium wines. Due to its fragile nature, it has been replaced by more popular varieties, and was almost brought to extinction. In recent years, growers have been working to bring back production levels. Terrantez grapes are particularly sweet and aromatic, producing an initially sharp wine which ages well, giving medium dry, well balanced and full bodied wine.

There are only 2 hectars of this vine planted on the whole Island, principally in the Funchal area, at an altitude of about 120 meters above sea level, and also at Jardim da Serra, at roughly 600 meters high.

Bual/Boal

Bual produces medium bodied wines with good acidity balancing sweetness. These light copper-colored medium sweet wines are intensively perfumed, rich in spice and dried fruit, and achieve admirable longevity.

There are only 20 hectares planted on the Island, mainly on the South coast, between Calheta and Ribiera Brava at low altitudes between 100-300 meters.

Malmsey/Malvasia

Malvasia is a generic name given to a wide range of distinct white-, pink-, grey-, or black-skinned varieties which share an ability to produce sweet wines high in alcohol.

Young Malmsey Madeira is light golden in color. It is rich, smooth and luscious on the palate; showing complex notes of mocha, dried fruit and honey, hints of tropical fruit, butterscotch, toffee-nuts and marmalade. Whereas, old Malmseys have dark amber tonalities with notes of spices and honey.

Malvasia Branca de Sao Jorge, a Portuguese variety introduced to the Island in the 1970', mainly in the north region of Sao Jorge. Spread in the 1990's, it is currently the main varietal used in the production of Malmsey Madeira. Malvasia Candida was introduced in the 15th century; currently cultivation has reduced dramatically. Today it can be found on the North, at altitudes of 150-200 meters, and in the South, in the bay of Funchal.