Do You Madeira?

Think Madeira is just for cooking?

Texas Madeira Wine

Think again. Originally created on the island of Madeira, Portugal, the delicate wine was known to be Thomas Jefferson’s favorite and received worldwide acclaim. While Madeira varies in style and taste from very sweet (Malmsey) to off-dry (Sercial), the two award-winning Haak Madeiras — the first Texas Madeira of its kind — has a caramel color and deliciously sweet, rich flavor. One is produced from the white Blanc du Bois grape; the other from the red Jacquez grape.

Truth or Madeira

  • Madeira wine was first discovered after a ship carrying Port wines made a roundtrip voyage from the Madeira Island to Europe and back. The wine was exposed to excessive heat and movement, dramatically changing the flavor and creating the Madeira we know and love today.

    • True
    • False

  • Madeira requires a teaspoon of honey to every barrel in order to help create the sweet flavor.

    • True
    • False

  • During the American Revolution, John Hancock’s ship was seized and all of his Madeira was lost. Riots ensued over the loss of the wine.

    • True
    • False

  • On the Madeira Island, in order to be called “vintage,” a Madeira wine must be at least 10 years old.

    • True
    • False

  • Madeira is “cooked” wine, using a special oven called an estufa.

    • True
    • False

  • The Declaration of Independence was toasted with Madeira wine.

    • True
    • False.

  • Legend has it that in 1478, George, Duke of Clarence, brother to the King of England, was sentenced to death and chose to be drowned in a vat of Madeira.

    • True
    • False

  • Thomas Jefferson hated Madeira wine and refused anyone drink it in his company.

    • True
    • False

  • Madeira was the subject of a famous 1960s song performed by British comedy duo, Flanders & Swann.

    • True
    • False