Madeirized

/muh-DEER-ized/

Wine showing oxidation and heat damage, like Madeira.

Full Definition

Madeirized describes a fault where wine has been damaged by heat and/or oxidation, developing brown color and cooked, nutty, caramelized flavors - resembling Madeira wine. It typically results from poor storage at high temperatures. While intentional in Madeira production, it's a serious fault in table wines.