Top 5 Most Expensive Wood Wine
Madeira wine is a Portuguese fortified wine known for its longevity and rich flavors. At Garrafeira da Ilha, collectors can find some truly rare Madeira wine treasures. In this post, we highlight the top 5 most expensive Madeira wines bottles currently available for sale. Each of these dates back to the 1990s. They offer a unique taste of history and exemplify the pinnacle of quality and rarity.
Why Madeira Wine Can Be So Expensive
Madeira wine undergoes an extraordinary aging process that can span decades. High-end vintage Madeira wine is often aged in oak casks for 10 years or more . This slow maturation develops complex flavors and aromas. Madeira's oxidative aging process means these wines can remain drinkable for many decades or even centuries. This longevity further elevates their collectible value. Limited production and historical significance also drive up value. THE rare Madeira from a single harvest year can fetch a high price. This is especially true when such a wine has been preserved by a renowned producer.
Top 5 Most Expensive Madeira Wine Bottles at Garrafeira da Ilha
1. Justino's Madeira Verdelho Harvest 1997 – Rare Vintage Madeira Wine
Justino's Madeira Verdelho Harvest 1997 is the vintage Madeira wine from the 1997 harvest, made from the Verdelho grape. It was aged in oak casks for at least 10 years before bottling . This long maturation allowed it to develop deep, complex flavors. This rare Madeira wine comes from Justino's, one of Madeira's oldest producers (established 1870) . Priced at €62.20 per 75cl bottle, it's currently tied as the most expensive Madeira in our selection .
2. Justino's Madeira Malvasia Harvest 1997 – Rich Sweet Madeira Wine
Justino's Madeira Malvasia Harvest 1997 is another 1997 vintage Madeira made from the Malvasia (Malmsey) grape. Malvasia is known for producing the richest, sweetest style of Madeira. Like the Verdelho, this wine aged for over a decade in oak casks to concentrate its sugars and flavors. It comes from the same historic producer, ensuring pedigree and quality. With a price of €62.20, it shares the top spot as the costliest Madeira in our store . Expect a luscious, dessert-like profile with notes of caramel, honey, and dried fruit from this rare Madeira wine.
3. Justino's Madeira Harvest 1996 – Fine Rich Madeira (Black Tint)
Justino's Madeira Harvest 1996 is a single-harvest Madeira from 1996, made exclusively from Tinta Negra grapes . It was aged in oak casks for around 10 years in the traditional canteiro system . It was then bottled as a sweet “Fine Rich” style Madeira. As an older vintage Madeira, it commands a high price of €55.40 per bottle . This Portuguese fortified wine offers notes of toffee, spice, and dried fruits. It embodies the rich dessert style that makes Madeira famous.
4. Justino's Madeira Harvest 1997 – Limited Madeira Wine Release
Justino's Madeira Harvest 1997 is another single-year Tinta Negra Madeira from the late 1990s. This 1997 release was produced in a sweet style and showcases the quality of that vintage. Only a limited number of bottles were made. This rare Madeira wine is highly sought after by collectors. Up to €54.30 per bottle, this vintage Madeira wine is among the priciest on the market . This underscores its exclusivity and appeal.
5. Justino's Madeira Harvest 1998 – Collectible Madeira Wine Vintage
Justino's Madeira Harvest 1998 is a collectible Madeira from the 1998 harvest. It was crafted from Tinta Negra grapes. Despite being a year younger, it was aged with the same care in oak barrels. It presents a similarly rich, sweet profile. This Portuguese fortified wine shows notes of dried fig and woody spice after over two decades of maturation. With a price of €53.20 , it is slightly more affordable than the older vintages. It still ranks among the top five most expensive Madeira wines available. Connoisseurs value this bottle for its balance of age and price. This makes it a popular choice for those starting a high-end vintage Madeira collection.
Each of these wines is a gem for any enthusiast of Portuguese fortified wine. Together, they offer a piece of Madeira's history. Securing one of these rare Madeira wine treasures means enjoying a truly exceptional wine experience.
