Tinta Negra Mole

Tinta Negra Mole is a type of grapes used in the Canary Islands, Madeira and in California (→ Viticulture in California).

The Tinta Negra Mole is a not quite as elegant, but still officially authorized red grape for the adulterated with brandy Madeira. Also known as "The Black Velvet " is generated from more than half of the wine of Madeira. Wines from this versatile grape variety are marketed under the following names in taste based on the classic style of the "noble varieties " ( Sercial, Verdelho, Bual, Malmsey ):

• Dry (dry)
• Medium -dry ( semi dry)
• Medium -sweet ( semi-sweet )
• Sweet (sweet)

The Tinta can mimic the flavor of the nobler sort, to a certain degree, but does not reach the same quality or shelf life.

This grape is responsible for the quality and image loss of Madeira in the 19th and 20th centuries, which was henceforth often known only as a simple cooking wine. Nevertheless, the Tinta is no per se "bad" variety. You can certainly generate acceptable qualities.

See also the article viticulture and winemaking in Portugal in the United States and the list of grape varieties.

Synonyms

The Tinta Negra Mole is also known under the name Negra Mole, Tinta Madeira, Tinta Negra minor and Madeira.