Madeira: One robust tipple

“Madeira played an important part” in early U.S. history, said Dave McIntyre in The Washington Post. Named for a Portuguese archipelago, this sweet fortified wine served as ballast for many early trans-Atlantic voyages, and the Founding Founders lifted it to toast the Declaration of Independence. Madeira is famed for its “indestructibility.” Cooked at 115 degrees when young, it lasts indefinitely after it’s opened.

1996 Broadbent Madeira Colheita ($50). This aged Madeira is “gorgeous and sweet,” with hints of orange peel and toasted hazelnut.

Broadbent Madeira Reserve 5 Years Old ($25). A wine that’s “richer than the 1996,” and nearly as complex.

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1994 Blandy’s Madeira Colheita Malmsey ($48). Flavors of caramel and lots of nuts make this a particularly delightful choice.