If one maps the growth and development of Portugal in the recent years, especially post 1986 after its inclusion into the European Union, it will be interesting to note how the country has slowly consolidated its position as a premier developing country and as one of the supreme world powers along with the other fist world nations. Even in terms of economic growth, the graph of Portugal shows a stable positive ascending movement towards the top, almost reaching the zenith. A major contribution to economic growth is made by wine exports.
From the very name Madeira wine it is evident that these kinds of wine grapes are grown in the Madeira Islands which are a part of the territory of Portugal. These wines are equally proficient for cooking as well as drinking purposes and are fortified wines. Madeira wines can be preserved for years together and it is alarming to note that they are also known to survive over centuries upon proper preservation.
For its preparation, the process of fortification is employed by means of which these wines are kept exposed to high temperature conditions for months in some specialized edifices constructed for this purpose called ‘estufas’. The better the quality of wine, the lower is the temperature it is exposed to. Apart from these, the Madeira wines are subjected to oxidation, fermentation and pasteurization to improve its quality and flavor. Madeira wines are of four kinds mainly. These are Bual, Verdelho, Malvasia and Sercial of which Verdelho and Sercial are drier. Madeiras are also sold in the form of vintage wines which can be blended for a period of minimum three years to a maximum of fifteen years. However, with the flourishing of the tourism industry, wine cultivation has suffered to an extent with the vineyards being dispensed of for the sake of tourist entertainment and other profitable ventures.

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Portuguese wine