what is the difference between port and madeira wine?

Answer 1

If by Port you mean the wine from Portugal, and by Madeira you mean the wine from that island, then the differences are
- they come from different places
- they are made from different grapes
- they are made in a different way.

However, in some countries the name Port and Madeira are not protected and winemakers can use them in any way they want, so the names have no meaning and the only differences are what the winemakers chooses.

Port - from Portugal - is a fortified wine. That means that grape brandy is added to stop the fermentation before all the sugar is turned to alcohol, so that you have a sweet wine yet with quite a high alcohol by volume.

Madeira from the island of Madeira is also fortified by the addition of grape brandy fermentation before all the sugar is turned to alcohol, so again you have a sweet wine yet with quite a high alcohol by volume.

What is interesting about Madeira is that the wine is heated at a high temperatureover a long time. This is supposed to duplicate the effect first noticed in the old days when they shipped barrels of wine in wooden sailing ships that took along time to cross the equator. The wine virtually ';cooked' in the barrels, and yet the end result was attractive. Plus the wine is deliberately exposed to air, so it become oxidised (usually the kiss of death to a wine -- and such a wine is said to be madeiriezed).

But all this treatment produces a most drinkable wine that lasts indefinately.

There are different types and styles of both Port and Madeira -- very little is uncomplicated where wine is concerned -- so do ask for more info if you want it, but I think the above gives enough to explain the basic differences.

Answer 2

When you say Port , you mean Madeira, that's our most famous port, I like Bual 10 year old, but there are others too, a good wine shop will have most. Port, you drink it straight and you can cook w/ it. I have used it even in sloppyJoes, I'm no purist except to say the best Madeira comes only from Portugal ( favorite brand Cossart Gordon 1745) from the Island of Madeira. It really not that expensive so get the good stuff, cost as much as good Irish whiskey. Port is called a cordial, some people call it a wine, its not a brandy or cognac. By the way those other countries make Port too. By the way, no offense don't serve it w/ dessert, get a dessert wine, Yes you can use it as a aperitif or before having coffee after a meal, but believe me most port drinkers just drink Port as smoothly as any wine or whiskey and whenever they want . no offense to the others here, and only the sweet variety is sweet, for instance Bual is definitely considered dry.

Answer 3

True Port comes from the Oporto region of Portugal and is a fortified sweet red wine. Madeira comes from Madeira island (Portuguese, off North Africa) and is a fortified white wine similar to Sherry.
Madeira comes in sweet (Malmsy) through to dry varieties just like sherry. However, there is no red Madeira.
Port is always sweet tasting, but white port is also made which is drier and is best served chilled as an aperitif.

Answer 4

Madeira Drink

Answer 5

This Site Might Help You.

RE:
what is the difference between port and madeira wine?

Answer 6

Port originally was made in Portugal (now it is made anywhere) it is usually a sweet fortified wine (more alcohol is added to the wine)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_wine

One of the best Ports I have ever had came from Australia.

Madeira was/is made in the Madeira Islands of Portugal too it is a fortified wine(additional alcohol is added to the wine)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fortified_wine

Answer 7

What Is Madeira

Answer 8

not much both wines ports and madeira are fortified wines regulary, whisky, vodka or any har rum is added the difference its the way that its fortified, port wines get fortified before the fermentation and madeira After the fermentation.