Justinos Madeira 10-Year-Old Sercial

- Serve chilled (12-14°C) in a tulip-shaped glass with a narrow rim to concentrate aromas; hold by the stem to avoid warming the wine.
- Present as a refined aperitif alongside a small platter of creamy goat cheese marcona almonds and tangy green olives for a Mediterranean flair.
- Pair with lightly seared smoked salmon on rye crisps topped with a dollop of horseradish crème fraîche and fresh dill for a delicate elegant bite.
- Use as a flavor-boosting rinse in a cocktail: briefly swirl Madeira in a chilled glass pour out most of the liquid then add a splash of dry vermouth and a twist of lemon peel for a citrusy aromatic aperitif.
- Serve slightly chilled with sushi especially with fatty cuts like toro or salmon nigiri to balance richness and add subtle acidity.
- Pair with a miniature apple tartlet drizzled with honey and crushed pistachios as a sophisticated dessert course.
- For a savory twist pair with Espada fish (black scabbardfish) prepared lightly butter-fried with banana – a traditional Madeiran dish that complements the wine’s crispness.
- Slow-pour over a small scoop of vanilla bean ice cream topped with toasted walnuts and a light dusting of cinnamon for a surprising dessert experience.
- Enjoy on special occasions by decanting briefly to open its bouquet then sip alongside blue cheese and fig compote for a rich contemplative tasting.
- Imbibe at sunset during an outdoor gathering with grilled octopus seasoned with smoked paprika and a drizzle of citrus olive oil to enhance the Madeira’s complexity and freshness.

For optimal storage of Madeira wine follow these practical guidelines:

- Temperature: Store Madeira just below room temperature ideally between 12°C and 16°C for unopened bottles. Avoid refrigeration for unopened bottles as Madeira is stable at typical room temperatures. Once opened it can be kept for many months at similar cool temperatures around 12°C to 16°C.

- Light Exposure: Keep bottles away from direct sunlight or strong artificial light to prevent any negative effects on the wine.

- Sealing: Ensure the cork is intact and well-sealed before long-term storage. After opening re-cork carefully or use a wine stopper to maintain quality since Madeira is highly resistant to oxidation and lasts well for months once opened.

- Bottle Position: Madeira bottles should be stored upright to prevent the wine contacting the cork. This is because Madeira can outlive the cork and the cork’s exposure to wine over time could compromise the seal.

- Humidity: Maintain medium humidity levels to preserve the cork condition without encouraging mold or cork drying. Typical cellar humidity between 50-70% is advisable.

- Special Storage Tips: Madeira stops aging once bottled so no benefit comes from further aging in bottle. Unopened bottles are best kept undisturbed in a stable environment. For vintage Madeira decanting before serving is recommended to remove any deposit but this is not necessary for younger Madeiras. Interior storage away from vibration or temperature fluctuation helps maintain quality.

- Opened Bottles: Once opened Madeira is exceptionally durable and can last for several months if re-corked and stored upright in a cool dark place with moderate humidity.

These practices will preserve the quality and shelf life of Madeira wine effectively.