Terrantez

A rare, nearly vanished Madeira grape, treasured for its bittersweet, very long wines. Unrelated to Terrantez do Pico in the Azores.

In the glassBittersweet, complex, high acidity.

Wines made with Terrantez

Madeira

Fortified

Vinho da Madeira

Fortified wine from the island of Madeira, aged with heat and air until it becomes almost indestructible. Cheaper wines are warmed in tanks (estufagem); the best age slowly in casks in warm lofts (canteiro). An opened bottle keeps for months, and century-old vintages are still lively.

Critics: up to 97 pts

Producers to try

Pereira D’Oliveira

Est. 1850

Funchal · Madeira

A family house famous for its huge library of old Frasqueira vintages, some from the 1800s, still sold at its Funchal shop.