Estufagem
Wine Definition
Estufagem is the most important stage of Madeira production. Madeira must undergo either a 3 month heating process at 122°F or a 4 month heating process at 113°F. During this time, the wine takes on many reductive and oxidation qualities, and requires that the alcohol levels be adjusted at the end of the process. The age of a Madeira is determined by the year that the estufagem process is stopped.