Two barrels of Madeira Wine, of the Verdelho grape variety, have returned to Funchal after a five-month journey aboard the ship NRP Sagres. The vessel participated in the celebrations for the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States, visiting various North American ports, Bermuda, and the Azores.
The wine, which recreated the traditional "Vinho da Roda" (Wine of the Round), showed significant changes. According to Rita Alves from the Madeira Wine Institute, the wine "returned much more aged, with more vanilla aromas due to the wood, and already candied citrus aromas." A "greater concentration of aromas and flavors" was noted compared to the wine that remained on the island.
The commander of the NRP Sagres, José Luís Sousa, highlighted that the voyage exposed the wine to "calm seas, storms, cold and hot weather, humid and dry conditions," which contributed to a differentiated and improved aging process. The Regional Secretary for Agriculture and Fisheries, Nuno Maciel, emphasized the historical and promotional importance of the initiative, which will result in a special edition of Madeira Wine to mark the 250th anniversary of US independence.
