Oceans of wine
Book • 2009
This book examines Madeira wine’s unique production, its prominence in Atlantic trade and its cultural importance in the Americas and Britain.
It covers how historical events—including wartime disruptions—shaped Madeira’s styles and preservation techniques, and how distillation and fortification practices evolved to meet market demand.
The narrative uses shipping records, merchant correspondence and tasting evidence to explain why certain Madeira vintages became prized and why the category later declined in prominence.
The author situates Madeira within broader imperial and commercial networks that determined what wines were produced, fortified and exported.
The book is both a detailed trade history and an exploration of Madeira’s sensory appeal across centuries.
It covers how historical events—including wartime disruptions—shaped Madeira’s styles and preservation techniques, and how distillation and fortification practices evolved to meet market demand.
The narrative uses shipping records, merchant correspondence and tasting evidence to explain why certain Madeira vintages became prized and why the category later declined in prominence.
The author situates Madeira within broader imperial and commercial networks that determined what wines were produced, fortified and exported.
The book is both a detailed trade history and an exploration of Madeira’s sensory appeal across centuries.
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Henry Jeffreys
#65 Henry Jeffreys - Drinking the British Empire, Churchill, Fortified Wine, Bordeaux, Rum, Gin, Cider, Legendary Drinkers
