Sercial

Sercial is a white grape variety native to Portugal, best known for its role in Madeira wine. It is one of the four traditional grape varieties used to produce Madeira, along with Verdelho, Bual, and Malmsey. Sercial wines are the driest and most austere of the Madeira styles, typically pale in color, light in body, and marked by high acidity.

In terms of flavors, Sercial commonly yields citrus notes such as lemon and lime, with green apple and almond nuances. The brisk acidity helps the wine age gracefully, and Sercial-based Madeiras are often described as crisp and refined, with a mineral edge. The wines are usually made to be dry (seco) and are commonly produced through the same heated aging processes used for other Madeiras, including estufa aging, which concentrates flavors over time.

Sercial is primarily associated with the Madeira region of Portugal, where the grape has long been used to craft the driest expressions. It is often enjoyed as an aperitif or with light dishes, such as seafood, salads, or goat cheese, and is typically served chilled.

Notable characteristics include its ability to age for decades, developing more complex nutty and oxidative notes while retaining its acidity. Sercial remains a key component of traditional Madeira and is valued by connoisseurs for its balance of freshness, structure, and longevity.