This energy, which has been described as bottled electricity, is what makes Madeira such an interesting wine to appreciate.

WSJ: Will Lyons on Wine: Have Some Madeira, M��Dear

Although born on the Virginia frontier, Thomas Jefferson became the most knowledgeable wine connoisseur of his age, and his tastes in wine covered the world: France, Italy, Germany, Madeira, Spain, Portugal, Cyprus, Hungary and, of course, America.

FORBES: Thomas Jefferson's Love Affair With Wine