Madeira Wine Types
Understanding the four noble grape varieties is your key to navigating any Madeira wine tasting. From bone-dry Sercial to lusciously sweet Malvasia, each offers a unique experience.
The Sweetness Scale
Sercial
Dry
Appearance
Pale gold to amber
On the Nose
Citrus, almonds, mineral notes
On the Palate
Crisp acidity, dry finish with hints of sea salt and toasted nuts
Aging
Minimum 5 years, best at 10-20+ years
Serving Temperature
10-12°C (chilled)
Food Pairings
Best For
Aperitif lovers who enjoy bone-dry wines with complexity
Where to taste: Blandy's offers an excellent aged Sercial tasting
Verdelho
Medium Dry
Appearance
Golden amber
On the Nose
Honey, tropical fruits, smoke
On the Palate
Balanced acidity with subtle sweetness, nutty undertones
Aging
Minimum 5 years, excellent at 15+ years
Serving Temperature
12-14°C (lightly chilled)
Food Pairings
Best For
Those who want complexity without intense sweetness
Where to taste: H.M. Borges has excellent Verdelho options
Bual (Boal)
Medium Sweet
Appearance
Deep amber to brown
On the Nose
Caramel, dried fruits, coffee, spice
On the Palate
Rich and velvety with balanced sweetness and acidity
Aging
Minimum 5 years, exceptional at 20+ years
Serving Temperature
14-16°C (room temperature)
Food Pairings
Best For
Dessert wine lovers seeking sophistication
Where to taste: D'Oliveiras vintage Buals are legendary
Malvasia (Malmsey)
Sweet
Appearance
Dark brown with mahogany hints
On the Nose
Molasses, burnt sugar, dried figs, vanilla
On the Palate
Luscious sweetness balanced by characteristic Madeira acidity
Aging
Minimum 5 years, transcendent at 30+ years
Serving Temperature
16-18°C (room temperature)
Food Pairings
Best For
Those who love rich, complex dessert wines
Where to taste: Blandy's 10-year Malmsey is a crowd favorite
Tinta Negra
The Workhorse Grape
While not one of the "noble" varieties, Tinta Negra accounts for approximately 85% of all Madeira wine production. This versatile red grape can be vinified in any style from dry to sweet, making it the backbone of most 3-year-old and 5-year-old blends you'll encounter.
Don't dismiss it – quality Tinta Negra wines can be excellent values and provide a great introduction to Madeira wine styles. Many lodges now proudly label their Tinta Negra wines, a practice that was not common before 2015.
Ready to Taste the Difference?
The best way to understand Madeira wine is to taste it. Visit a wine lodge and sample all four noble varieties side by side.
Find a Wine Tasting