Sercial

Sercial is a white grape variety used to create medium-bodied sweet wines, such as Bual & Terrantez and Malvasia. Sercial is mainly grown in the island of Madeira, Portugal and is found in small quantities. After phylloxera ravished the vineyards in Madeira, the grape started to grow more widespread on Portugal’s mainland, where it is called Esgana or Esgana Cao. Sercial ripens late in the year, which contributes to the grape variety’s high acid level. The name Sercial is thought to be related with the Madeira style rather than the grape variety itself, and is a very acidic and light type of Madeira wine that takes the longest to mature. Sercial grapes are harvested late in the year and at least 20 years of aging is required for the vintage Sercial Madeiras wine. The long aging process makes sure that the acidity of the wine is toned down and softened. When the vintage wine is mature, the color has a yellowish tawny tone and is similar to the smell of vintage Riesling wines. Sercial is the driest type of Madeira, and can contain up to 1.5 percent residual sugar. Sercial is also growing in popularity because of its perfume flavors.