Justinos Madeira 5-Year-Old Fine Rich Reserve

- Serve Madeira slightly chilled (12-14°C) in a tulip-shaped stemmed glass to concentrate aromas and prevent hand warming.
- Pair with aged sheep’s milk cheese or creamy goat cheese presented on a wooden board with fig jam and toasted walnuts for balanced richness.
- Create a Madeira cocktail by blending with a splash of smoky single malt whisky a twist of orange peel and a sprig of thyme—serve over a large ice cube for a sophisticated aperitif.
- Use as a glaze for roasted duck breast or game meats finishing with a drizzle and garnishing with fresh pomegranate seeds to add tart brightness.
- Serve as a digestif alongside a platter of dried tropical fruits (pineapple mango) and marcona almonds to highlight its complex sweetness.
- For dessert pairing accompany with a flaky almond tart topped with lightly toasted flaked almonds and a drizzle of honey to echo nutty Madeira notes.
- On special occasions decant Madeira for 15 minutes before serving to open its layers; present with a small burning cinnamon stick nearby to add a subtle warm spice aroma to the experience.
- Pour a small measure warmed gently (not hot) and float a thin lemon zest strip on top for an exotic "warm Madeira toddy" twist ideal on cool evenings.

For optimal storage of Madeira:

- Temperature: Store the bottle at a stable cool temperature slightly below room temperature ideally around 12–16°C (54–61°F). Avoid refrigeration for long-term storage but keep it away from heat and temperature fluctuations.

- Light Exposure: Keep the bottle away from direct sunlight and fluorescent light to prevent degradation.

- Sealing: The bottle is sealed with a cork which Madeira can outlast due to its stable character but ensure the cork remains moist but not wet. For opened bottles reseal tightly with the original cork or a wine stopper to preserve quality.

- Bottle Position: Store Madeira bottles upright to keep the wine from prolonged contact with the cork preventing cork deterioration since Madeira’s longevity exceeds typical cork life.

- Humidity: Maintain moderate humidity (around 60–70%) to protect cork integrity without promoting mold growth on the bottle or label.

- Special Considerations: Madeira does not benefit from aging once bottled for younger age-designated styles (such as 5-year-old Fine Rich Reserve) but can be kept unopened for extended periods without deterioration. Once opened Madeira remains stable for many months if re-sealed and stored as above thanks to its oxidatively aged nature.

These practical guidelines will help preserve the quality and shelf life of Madeira both before and after opening.