Originating from a tiny Portuguese island of the same name, Madeira is a fortified wine. Available in a range of different styles, ranging from dry to sweet, this drink has a unique taste. It uses either red or white grapes. Oxidization and heating add a distinct flavor to this wine. Sip fortified or dessert wines to stimulate your appetite before supper, or drink them to end your dinner on a sweet note. Either way, they taste delicious. The key differentiating factor between this wine and others is the aging and heating process that gives Madeira wine its distinct burnt flavor.

This drink features varying levels of sweetness, but the heating process during winemaking creates wonderful flavor notes of roasted nuts, caramel and toffee. Later, subtle hints of hazelnut, orange peel and peach embrace the palate. Madeira is a medium-bodied wine that contains medium to low tannins with nutty and earthy flavors at the forefront.

The foods you pair with Madeira depend on the wine's style. The dry variety of this wine makes a good aperitif and goes well with creamy and buttery dishes, such as lobster bisque, milk cheese or fatty meats. Serve sweet Madeira wine with dessert, complementing a rich chocolate cake or a caramel-frosted pudding. Use this fortified wine for cooking to add more flavor and richness to sauces and salad dressings. The earthy flavor of Madeira pairs well with mushrooms and is a great option to elevate a mushroom-based entrée that needs a robust sauce.

Serve this wine in a traditional white wine glass or a port glass. Dry Madeira tastes best when served chilled, while sweeter varieties of this drink taste great at room temperature. Depending on your preference, bring home your favorite variety of Madeira by shopping Driz, or see if we've made it to your city. Click these links to search for Drizly in your city, and look for liquor stores on Drizly near you.