maderized [MAD-uh-rized]
A term for mature wine that assumes a madeira-like character, undesirable in most table wine. Maderiza-tion, which occurs primarily in white and rosé wine, is typically caused by oxidation, often combined with overly warm storage. Its aroma characteristics can range from caramelized and nutty to the slightly stale nuance of overripe apples; the wine’s color takes on a brownish tinge. Though maderized is often used synonymously with oxidized, the latter doesn’t infer warm storage. In France, the term is maderisé; in England, it’s sherrified.
The New Wine Lovers Companion, 2nd Edition, by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Copyright © (1) 2003, 1995 by Ron Herbst and Sharon Tyler Herbst. Reprinted by arrangement with Barron's Educational Series, Inc.