We do not choose good alcohol in order to lose control over the situation and our emotions. We take it in order to more fully feel the atmosphere of the evening, to celebrate a really significant event, to be with friends or a loved one. Therefore, good alcohol cannot be cheap. Still, they put a soul into it! If you want an original strong wine, then the ideal choice is Madera Massandra. This drink has a rich bouquet, a delicate but very strong aroma, a pleasant taste and a long finish.
From the history
"Madera Massandra" is a fortified white wine with the only producer in the Crimea. The biography of this alcoholic beverage is counted from 1892. From time immemorial, very sweet grapes of the Albillo, Verdello and Sersial grapes were used. Such a long history certainly says that the drink should have its own zest. Of course, this is so. Maderiization process became special, the meaning of which lies in the five-year aging of wine, for which oak barrels are used. By the way, the shutter speed is in open sunlight. Because of this special feature, the Crimean "Madera Massandra" was called "twice born by the sun." The aging process takes about 40% of the original volume from the wine, but this is a reasonable fee for the opportunity to enjoy a truly unique drink.
Why drink it?
"Madera Massandra" is a real mystery for a true gourmet, because it is a "masculine" drink with a true "feminine" essence. This wine is compared with a woman-mystery, a woman-coquette, capable of giving unprecedented pleasure before, if you reveal her secret. The attractiveness of such a "lady" is distinguished by discreetness, but hidden charisma, because of which, once tried, it is impossible to refuse a new use. You could never call this wine an image drink. His presence on the festive table was never obligatory. This is not sherry or port, although these wines are similar in origin to Madeira. But this only one could always boast of its circle of fans. Even the name itself was aspirated, and the fascination with the miraculous properties of the drink was compared with passion. Such honors were not dreamed of by recognized trendsetters of alcoholic fashion. Drinking wine in one gulp is thoughtless waste. Here you need to enjoy the bouquet, inhale the vapors and taste a bit to understand the true value of drinking. Why drink it? Yes, to feel the taste of real wine to the last drop!
From the very origins
Madera, or Madeira - that was the name of wine back in those ancient times, when it was made on a forest island of the same name in Portugal. The principles of manufacture and exposure without changes have survived to the present day. Therefore, today, a sugar-amine reaction occurs in wine, explaining the amber color and caramel-nut notes in taste and aroma.
The first vines on Madeira Island took root in 1453. That year can be considered a prerequisite for the appearance of the drink, but the case really helped. Portuguese ships brought wine to India, but because of the calm they drifted for a long time in equatorial latitudes under the scorching sun. The wine had to be transported to Europe, but at the end of the trip the drink changed its taste and aroma, getting in the process shades of red walnut and caramel.
There is another version of the origin of Madeira, according to which the rocky, moist soil of the island did not allow building cellars, and wine had to be stored in the attic, where the sun warmed it.
The beginning of a long journey
World fame came in the 16th century to the drink when Dutch merchants began to take it for export. The first admirers were the British, who could also sell a house for a barrel of drink. The high cost did not prevent the status of cult alcohol from acquiring wine. Among the fans were great people. For example, the Duke of Clarence, brother of Edward, king of England, who was sentenced to death, wished to be drowned in this guilt. In the 18th century, ladies used Madeira as perfume, dipping their shawls into it. But in Russia at the beginning of the last century, the drink was greatly respected by Grigory Rasputin himself, who could use 5-6 liters of wine for dinner. He even poured poison into a glass of wine and pastries. By the way, it was sugar (!) Contained in cakes and wine that weakened the action of potassium cyanide . After all, Rasputin did not die of poisoning. Given that he was a tough man, his love of ordinary wine would arouse distrust, but Madera Massandra's reviews, ratings and fortress always had a unique drink. At international exhibitions, the drink received 10 gold medals!
Crimean pride
The historical homeland of the drink remained immortalized in its name, but among the Russians when mentioning Madeira there is an association with Crimea. Indeed, the village near Yalta, located in the southern part of the peninsula, is a great place for growing grapes of the Sabbat, Albillo and Sersial grapes. The winery has the largest beverage production site in Europe. By the way, Madera Massandra is produced in the Kuban, in the Krasnodar Territory, in Armenia and Moldova. A wine drink from the Crimea has always been considered the standard of quality. Only once did the production of wine cease. This was the period of World War II. But drinks were evacuated to Tbilisi, as they were of value akin to works of art. They returned home only in 1945. Now in the Crimean cellars contain the harvest of all years, from 1900 to the present day.
Madeira
Madeira wine is made from pink, white and red grape varieties. In Crimea, they do it only on the basis of white. Grapes grow on centuries-old vines, as was the case on the Portuguese island. Crimean wine differs from the original recipe only in the addition of refined grain alcohol instead of grape. Therefore, the taste of European wine is softer. The drink is aged in barrels, the tree for which is supplied from Moldova or Krasnodar. These should be old barrels, since the strong saturation of oak tannins badly affects the taste of wine. Therefore, before pouring wine into a barrel, a person climbs inside and scrapes the top layer of the tree. This differs from other drinks "Madera Massandra". Taster reviews confirm the fact that even today the wine retains an unforgettable taste of past times. At the same time, the drink does not become obsolete, but remains forever young and relevant. Is not this the dream of a true winemaker ?!
Buyers say
Our people like good wine, but are not in a hurry to overpay for it, so a recognized brand is the key to success and commercial benefits. Madera withstands a long time under the scorching sun and only acquires taste and aroma. Helps enrich wine and air in containers. For several seasons, Madeira reaches the necessary condition in the sun, and then goes to the basement. By the way, in the cool wine is still a few years before you go to the buyer. If necessary, Madeira blended. There are factories that manufacture products using simplified technology. Ordinary wines come out from them , which are made in artificially heated barrels. Such analogues withstand all year.
The artificial “Madera Massandra" also receives diverse customer reviews, but one can immediately conclude that this is a product of more mass consumption. The fortress remains at the level, but the caramel-nut tones of the drink go to the background. The result is wine for a banal feast, not ragweed for the elite!
The tradition of drinking
This noble drink deserves respect and respect for the rules of its use. Only in this way can you enjoy the full potential of wine. Madera is an excellent aperitif, but on condition that the doses are moderate. If you slightly cool the drink, then it can be harmoniously combined with appetizers and hot dishes. The wine has a very pleasant smell, but the taste is harsh for the first time, and therefore it may not be very pleasant to stretch the process and drink sips.
If you decide to taste Madera Massandra wine, how to drink it correctly? Slowly but surely. Pour alcohol into tall-stemmed tulip glasses. Remember that you can not heat the glass, and you need to fill it only two-thirds. Thus, a person can shake the wine and catch additional aromas before a sip. Open the bottle and let the wine breathe.
Serve with a soul
A true connoisseur of elite alcohol will not allow himself to snack on processed cheese. The serving process is very important for the mood and feelings of the guests. So, on your table appeared "Madera Massandra." What is this drink served with? Recall that Madeira is a long-liver, able to be stored for an arbitrarily long time. So you can buy it in advance and for the future. If the wine is aged for more than 50 years, then notes of pear, fig, quince and date are added to the nutty aroma. This drink should be served after dinner with a variety of snacks. Suitable fruits, sandwiches with peanut butter. The taste of cigars is revealed in a new way with wine. Madera sets off the taste of ham and smoked meat. Well, of course, it is worth remembering Rasputin and biting wine with cakes. This is a delicious dessert with an alcoholic touch!