Justino's Madeira

Justino's Madeira has been producing wines on the island since 1870 and remains Portugal's largest Madeira shipper. What sets them apart is their modern approach: a state-of-the-art winery built in 1995 that uses temperature-controlled stainless-steel fermentation alongside traditional ageing methods. This flexibility, combined with rigorous fruit selection, lets them produce Madeiras of genuine depth at all price points.

About Justino's Madeira

The winery sits in Cancela, Santa Cruz, and operates one of Madeira's most modern facilities. Every vintage begins with precision: fermentation happens in temperature-controlled tanks, and the winemaker halts fermentation through the introduction of neutral grape spirit at 96% ABV—timed precisely to achieve the desired sweetness level. This control over the base wine matters enormously to the final product's character.

Where Justino's truly distinguishes itself is in ageing. Most of their range undergoes the 'canteiro' process—wines are stored in barrels positioned high in the lodge eaves where solar warmth develops them gradually across years or decades. This slow, patient method builds complexity that can't be rushed. Only the 5-Year-Old Fine Rich Reserve uses the faster 'estufagem' heating method, which explains its exceptional value for money.

The producer's range showcases Madeira's full vocabulary. Their noble grape Madeiras—Sercial, Boal, Malvasia, and Terrantez—each tell a different story: Sercial brings crisp, dry nuttiness; Boal and Malvasia deliver richer, more caramelised styles; Terrantez offers rare complexity and balance. The 1999 Colheita Tinta Negra demonstrates that once-overlooked varieties can age beautifully for decades.

Justino's Madeira Wines in Our Collection

Start with the 5-Year-Old Fine Rich Reserve (88pts Vinum, 90pts Wine Spectator) if you want Madeira that offers serious quality without ceremony—rich but balanced, made from Tinta Negra Mole. For those exploring the noble varieties, the 10-Year-Old Sercial (92pts Jancis Robinson) shows dry, nutty minerality; the 10-Year-Old Boal (90pts Jancis Robinson) delivers lush balance; and the 10-Year-Old Malvasia (92pts Jancis Robinson, 92pts Falstaff) presents caramelised, sticky richness. If you want to understand Tinta Negra's age-worthiness, the 1999 Colheita (92pts Jancis Robinson, 92pts Decanter) shows complexity and balance across two decades.

Food Pairing

Serve Sercial chilled as an aperitif or alongside oysters and salted nuts. Boal and Malvasia suit blue cheese, salted caramel desserts, and dark chocolate. The 1999 Colheita pairs beautifully with roasted game, walnuts, and aged hard cheeses. Aged Terrantez demands attention on its own, but if you must pair it, choose rich, savoury dishes—roasted beef, truffle risotto, or mature Stilton. All Justino's Madeiras work as meditation wines after dinner.

What makes Justino's Madeira different from other producers?

Justino's is Portugal's largest Madeira shipper with a modern 1995 winery using temperature-controlled fermentation. They source from best sites across the island and employ traditional canteiro barrel ageing in sun-heated lodge eaves for complexity.

Why is Terrantez so rare and special?

Only around two hectares of Terrantez remain on Madeira. It's susceptible to fungal diseases, making it difficult to grow, yet it produces wines of extraordinary depth, complexity and balance that improve over decades.

Which Justino's wine should I buy as my first Madeira?

Start with the 5-Year-Old Fine Rich Reserve. It offers excellent quality at accessible value and shows you Madeira's sweet, balanced style without demanding cellaring or expense.

Who makes Justino's Madeira wines?

Justino's has produced wine on Madeira since 1870 and is Portugal's largest Madeira shipper. Based in Cancela, Santa Cruz, the winery operates a modern facility built in 1995 with temperature-controlled fermentation and traditional ageing methods.

What style of wine does Justino's Madeira make?

Justino's makes fortified Madeira from noble grapes—Sercial (dry, nutty), Boal and Malvasia (lush, caramelised), and Terrantez (complex). Their 10-Year-Old Malvasia scores 90 points and delivers caramelised, sticky richness.

How much does Justino's Madeira wine cost?

Justino's Madeira ranges from £25.55 to £410.20. Entry-level 5-Year-Old Fine Rich Reserve costs £25.55; 10-year aged wines cost £39.45; rare 50-Year-Old Terrantez reaches £410.20.