Ferraz Madeira Wine

About Ferraz

Ferraz Madeira is produced on the island of Madeira following the same principles that have made the region's wines famous for centuries: grapes from steep, terraced vineyards, heat-ageing (estufagem or canteiro) and long maturation that gives the wine its characteristic caramel and nutty notes. For newcomers it's an exciting, affordable introduction to the Madeira style; for collectors, the smaller Madeira houses are often an interesting niche where quality can match the big names without the same well-known price tag.

History & Background

Madeira wine dates back to the 1400s, when the island's position on the trade routes between Europe, Africa and the Americas made it a natural stopover for ships loading wine for the long sea voyage. The heat and oxidation the wine was exposed to during transport turned out to improve the flavour rather than spoil it, and the technique later became a fixed part of production. Ferraz is part of this long craft tradition, though we have only limited specific documentation of the house's own founding history.

Production & Style

The wine is made by adding grape spirit during fermentation, after which it is aged and deliberately heated, a process called estufagem.

Signature Style

Caramelized, Nutty, Complex
The wine offers a caramelized, nutty character with a complex, oxidative finish.

Facts

Did You Know?

Madeira is one of the few wines in the world that doesn't spoil from heat or light after opening, thanks to the deliberate heating during production.

Like Ferraz? You should also try:

Dalva Portvin, Grahams Portvin and Blandys Madeiravin.