Sercial

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Sercial (Cerceal in Portuguese) is the name applied to any of several white grapes grown in Portugal, especially on the island of Madeira, and gives its name to the dryest of the four classic varieties of Madeira fortified wine.

The grape is grown in diminishing quantities at the southern end of the island. Its late ripening allows its wine to retain its characteristic acidity. Its fortified wines have been known to last almost indefinitely over a period of many centuries.