Most Madeira is made on the island of Madeira, Portugal. It is a fortified after dinner wine. Most Madeira's are made through a process called "Estugafem." Haak Vintage Madeira is made with 100% Jacquez grapes, grown in the Gulf Coast Region of Texas. It is made using the traditional “Estufagem” (es too FAH jem) process, where the barrels of wine have been “madeirized” in a special, heated cellar. The temperatures of the wine in the Estufagem average between 102°F to 106°F. Haak Winery’s Estufa was completed in early 2006, and is one of very few in the United States today. Haak Vintage Madeira is the first and only commercial Madeira made and bottled in the state of Texas (haakwine.com).
This Madeira is produced and bottled by Haak Vineyards & Winery, Inc. in Sante Fe, Texas, Galveston County. It is 20% alcohol by volume. According to the bottle, it should last over 100 years unopened, but who can wait that long?!?!
If you like port or sherry, this is very similar. It smells like sweet plums, caramel, coffee, and maybe walnuts or pecans. The Madeira starts strong with bitter coffee and finishes with caramel and pecan warm in my throat. It is sweet and tart at the same time, and I can definitely tell it has higher alcohol than a typical glass of wine. It is strong and flavorful. I don't have a lot of experience with Madeira's but this is tasty and enjoyable. I was pleased to find that when I was researching the vineyard and came across the page for this wine, that my palate was pretty much dead on. I still think the port might have a hint of tobacco or chocolate although the walnuts might add the touch of bitterness that sits on the back of my tongue.
We bought this several months ago, but I believe the price point for this bottle was about $45. Obviously not an everyday treat, but definitely a treat. Sip slowly and savor this bold finishing wine.
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