Storing/Cellaring Madeira

Madeira must be stored with the bottle upright. Unlike other wines, Madeira should not be kept in contact with the cork as the high acidity may attack it and affect the flavour of the wine. If stored upright, a vintage Madeira will still be drinkable and of good quality some 150 years after bottling.

Madeira up to five-years-old can be served chilled, but the wine should not be left in the fridge for prolonged periods as this can 'flatten' the flavours. Wine of ten-years-0ld or more should be served at room temperature in a wine glass.

All Madeira will keep for up to ten years after opening without the need for vacuum sealing. The estufagem process and the wine's high acidity means Madeira does not deteriorate due to contact with oxygen, so it's possible to enjoy a bottle over a ten-year period by simply replacing the cork each time and standing the bottle back on the shelf.