Production and Marketing of Madeira Wine Must

  
In 2010, in addition to the production of 3.07 million litres of Madeira Wine, another 1.126 hl of still wine were produced, of which 1.114 hl of PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) “Madeirense” and 12 hl of “Terras Madeirenses” GI (Geographical Indication).
 
The total production of vitis vinifera grapes in 2010 in the Region of Madeira was of 3.730 t. With the exception of some grapes that are kept by the viticulturers, the production of grapes is sold, almost entirely, to the companies that dedicate themselves to the production and commerce of Madeira Wine.
 
Marketing of Madeira Wine in 2010 reached 3.3 million litres with the countries of the European Union representing a market share of 69 %, the main destiny of this wine, especially to France, United Kingdom and Germany. The domestic market, with a share of 14 %, is also an important consumer of Madeira Wine. The most significant part of these sales is registered in Madeira, especially owing to the sales of Madeira Wine to tourists visiting the island. Outside the European Union, as results clear from the figures stated in the table below, the main markets for Madeira Wine are to be found in the United States of America and Japan.


In analysing the marketing of Madeira Wine according to its different types and ages, it is possible to verify, through the tables that follow, that the most commercialised wines in terms of degrees of richness are the Rich and Medium Dry Wines and, from amongst the wines with the indication of vine variety, the most sought after are those of the Malmsey vine variety.

 

In relation the Madeira Wines with the indication of age, the main volume of sales may be verified at the level of current wines, with three years of age, and with five years of age. If we consider the wines with the indication of the vine variety, we may observe that there is a higher volume of commercialisation of the wines that are five and ten years old.