Pluralization of Madeira

[Roy Hersh]

In written form, it just feels awkward to use the word "Madeiras" in most cases. I often times leave off the "s" and it sounds better to me. Does anybody know which is proper?

[Glenn E.]

How about avoiding the issue and using "Madeira wines?"

Actually, I suspect that's technically the correct way to say it. Our use of "Madeira" as the full name of the wine is likely incorrect - "Madeira" is probably really being used as an adjective to describe the type wine.

But I have no evidence to back up this theory.

[Julian D. A. Wiseman]

Coining nouns, just as Shakespeare coined the verb “coined”, is entirely natural in English. And such words often come from non-Anglo-Saxon non-French sources. And the natural way to pluralise the English noun “madeira” is, of course, “madeiras”. But if one is using a Portuguese placename, “Madeira”, as an abbreviation for “Madeira wine” or “Madeira wines”, the plural is probably sheep-like “Madeira”.

In other words, for my taste it depends on capitalisation.

[Ray Barnes]

I find it etymologically correct to add the s, but more aesthetically acceptable not to do so. Madeira is an art form under the guise of an oenological beverage, with its own chronology, and should be spoken of, written of, and contemplated upon, accordingly.

[Roy Hersh]

I am so confused. :?

[Glenn E.]

Or we could suggest the (I believe) Latin route and pluralize it "Madeirii."

[Julian D. A. Wiseman]

Despite the error in (early editions of?) Gibbon, Madeira was not know to the ancient Romans.

[Eric Ifune]

Madierum?

[Ray Barnes]

I would support the use of Latin everywhere except the Vatican - which should be using Pig Latin.

Abes etiam a consilio insultandi mihi nisi latine loqui sicas
Don't even think of dissing me unless you speak Latin