Chris Blandy of the Madeira Wine Company is the seventh generation of his family to live and work in the wine trade on this volcanic island. A native with a passion for history and science, he understands the complexities of Madeira – the place and the drink – as well as anyone. Our in-depth chat covered grape varieties, soil types, fortified and unfortified styles, Madeira’s legendary ageing ability and why it should always be stored standing up.

To read more about Chris have a look at the Madeira Wine Company’s website. You can also follow him on Instagram at @chrisblandy.

Don’t forget, Cork Talk is now available on Spotify as well as Apple Podcasts. You can listen to this week’s episode, plus my back catalogue of interviews with some of the world’s most extraordinary wine figures.