Madeira is a Portuguese island in the Atlantic from which come rich fortified wines of the same name. These wines come in all styles from dry to very sweet but are deliciously balanced by their high acidity. They are unique in their production process of "Maderization", by which the wine is essentially cooked by being raised naturally or in heated tanks. The wine are then oxidized through their aging process. The result of this is a wine that is capable of aging for hundreds of years, is virtually indestructible and is remarkably shelf-stable. Once a favorite of colonial America, Madeira's unique rich, nutty, salty, chocolatey, butterscotch-like character is an excellent option as an aperitif, pairing, or after-dinner sipper. (Wine/Appellations)