Negra Mole, the primary grape used in Madeira holds a special place in a patriot’s heart.  This was the wine consumed by our Founding Fathers.  It originates off the coast of Africa in the Portuguese Islands and was consumed by those heading to the New World or the West Indies.   It is fortified by adding grape spirits and cane sugar to stabilize it.  It is oxidated and changes with heat and movement.   The casks were known as “Pipes” of wine.   Madeira played a key role in the Revolution.  A shipment of pipes on John Hancock’s Liberty was seized by the British, prompting riots in Boston.  The grape itself is actually a reddish-brown grape called Negra Mole and is grown on low trellises.  It is blended with indigenous white grapes:  Malvasia, Bual, Verdelho, and Sercial.  While it can be produced dry, the style that was consumed by George Washington’s men was dark colored, rich in texture with coffee and caramel flavors.  It is then aged anywhere from 3 to 19 years, giving it its brown color.  The style called “Rainwater” is usually lighter and sweeter.  It was typically served in wicker casks.