2021 Madeira Wine Co. - DOP Madeirense Atlantis Verdelho

The Madeira Wine Company is the umbrella name behind several storied Madeira houses, including Blandy's, Cossart Gordon, Leacock's, and Miles, owned by the Blandy family and currently led by seventh-generation Chris Blandy. Its wines are crafted by Francisco Albuquerque, recognized three times as the world's best fortified winemaker. Atlantis, the company's still table wine project, takes its name from the legendary lost island, reflecting an ambition to prove that Madeira's volcanic terrain could produce quality unfortified wines, a notion once doubted even within the industry.

This wine is made from Verdelho, grown on the sunny south coast of the island in Raposeira, Calheta, where volcanic soils and steady sea breezes give the grape real definition. Unlike Madeira's famous fortified wines, Atlantis Verdelho is a dry, unfortified table wine, with part of the blend fermented and aged in medium barrels to add texture and riper fruit character while keeping the wine balanced and fresh.

The 2021 vintage shows subtle tropical notes of mango and pineapple alongside an intriguing hint of flint and gunpowder. The palate is fresh, dry, and crisp, with light body and real sense of place. It pairs well with grilled fish, simple seafood, or a fresh summer salad.