Belem’s Madeira Doce Wine
Belem's Madeira Doce is a fortified wine at 17% ABV in a 500mL bottle — 100% Tinta Negra aged a minimum of three years in old oak casks in the full-rich doce style, from the Belém's Madeira brand produced by Henriques & Henriques — available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor, San Diego, CA.
- ABV: 17% vol
- Size: 500mL
- Grapes: 100% Tinta Negra (single varietal)
- Sweetness: Doce (sweet — full rich)
- Aging: minimum 3 years in old oak casks
- Origin: Belém's Madeira — produced by Henriques & Henriques, Câmara de Lobos, Madeira DOC, Portugal; brand established 1932 by João de Belém
The Sweet Counterpart in a 1932 House
Belém's was founded in 1932 by João de Belém, the last surviving member of the Henriques family — and is today owned and produced by Henriques & Henriques itself. The Doce is the sweet twin of the house's Meio Seco: same 100% Tinta Negra, same three years in old oak casks, taken to full-rich doce sweetness. At 17% ABV it is lighter in alcohol than the 19–20% Madeiras around it, which makes it the easy-drinking end of the style. See the Belém's Madeira range, or compare it against the medium-dry Belém's Meio Seco to find your sweetness.
Tasting Notes
Molasses, dried fig, and date over walnut and orange peel, with that Madeira lift of acidity keeping the richness in check. Full, round, and warming — a classic after-dinner profile.
How to Enjoy
Serve in 2–3 oz pours. The importer pairs it with blue-veined cheeses, roasted nuts, foie gras, sweet Indian curries, and desserts like tarte tatin, crème brûlée, and toffee pudding. It also works as a cooking wine and a long-keeping after-dinner pour.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "doce" mean?
Sweet — the richest of the Madeira sweetness levels, at the Malvasia end of the spectrum.
What is the difference between Belém's Doce and Meio Seco?
Both are 100% Tinta Negra, 17% ABV, aged three years in old oak casks — the Doce is the full-rich sweet style, the Meio Seco the medium-dry one.
Is Belem's made by Henriques & Henriques?
Yes — the Belém's brand (est. 1932) is owned and produced by Henriques & Henriques in Câmara de Lobos.
How long does it keep after opening?
Madeira keeps indefinitely — unopened and opened — per the importer's guidance.
For the full-rich end of Madeira: order Belem's Madeira Doce online from Del Mesa Liquor in San Diego, CA.