Vinhos Justino Henriques

Vinhos Justino Henriques is a company founded in 1870 on the island of Madeira and is considered the oldest wine producer on the island. The winery is based in Caniço, a town on the east coast.

Vinhos Justino Henriques - an institution for almost 150 years

The beginnings of Justino Henriques date back to 1870, when it was still a small private winery. It was to take until 1953 before the company was founded in its present form under the name Justino's Madeira Wines.

In 1993, they entered into a cooperation with the French group La Martiniquaise, which opened up the international markets for Vinhos Justino Henriques. A new winery with modern technology was built in order to have enough capacity to produce.

Whether simple wines from the steel tank or long aged in the barrique, Vinhos Justino Henriques offers today a wide portfolio of wines. Important markets are France, Germany and England.

Climate, Terroir and Wine in Madeira

Madeira, the "green flower island" situated in the Atlantic, is characterised by a subtropical climate. Winds that blow over the island all year round create a very different climate, that in the north differs greatly from the south of the island, as a mountain range runs through the middle of the island. 

The island is of volcanic origin, so its soils are heavily influenced by rocks such as basalt and tuff. The arable land consists mostly of steep slopes, which can only be used by creating terraces with retaining walls, the so-called Poios. Small streams and water sources provide the necessary water supply.

The grape varieties grown at Vinhos Justino Henriques are diverse, for example:

• Sercial
• Verdelho
• Boal
• Malvasia
• Tinta Negra

The Madeira Wine

Madeira wines are considered excellent accompaniments to exquisite food and are highly regarded by restaurateurs around the world. They have a long shelf life and are drinkable even after opening. The best wines are the Frasqueiras and Garrafeiras, the oldest wines with up to 20 years of storage time. Besides, Vinhos Justino Henriques offers many other degrees of aging, so that everybody finds his optimal wine from the island.