Certified Sommelier Practice Exam

Which variety of Madeira is the sweetest?

1. Sercial

2. Verdelho

3. Bual

4. Malmsey

The correct answer is: Malmsey

Malmsey is recognized as the sweetest variety of Madeira wine. This designation stems from the grape variety known as Malvasia, which is used to produce these wines. Malmsey Madeira is characterized by its rich, full-bodied profile and a pronounced sweetness that comes from the extended aging process and a higher concentration of residual sugars. Malmsey wines often exhibit complex flavors of caramel, honey, and tropical fruits, contributing to their luscious and syrupy mouthfeel. The winemaking process for Malmsey includes fermentation methods that ensure the retention of natural sugars, leading to the signature sweetness that distinguishes it from other Madeira varieties. In contrast, Sercial is the driest of the Madeira styles, displaying higher acidity with crisp, fresh characteristics. Verdelho is medium-dry, with greater sweetness than Sercial but less than Bual. Bual does provide sweetness, yet it does not reach the levels found in Malmsey, making it less sweet in comparison. Thus, Malmsey stands out as the most decadent and sugary option among the Madeira varieties.