# Atlantis (2024)

- **Producer:** Madeira Wine Company
- **Colour:** orange
- **Type:** still
- **Grapes:** Tinta Negra
- **Region:** Madeira, Portugal
- **Style:** Classic
- **Alcohol:** 12.0%
- **Average price:** €15
- **Contains sulphites:** Yes
- **When to drink:** Now
- **Serving temperature:** 10–12 °C
- **Aromas & flavours:** orange, apricot, grapefruit, herbaceous, ginger, toast, butter, dried apricot, marmalade, honey, almond

## About this wine

Atlantis is a still wine brand produced by the Madeira Wine Company, historically celebrated for its fortified Madeira wines. Under the DOP Madeirense appellation, this range explores the potential of still winemaking on the island. This orange wine expression utilizes Tinta Negra, the island's most widely planted grape variety, crafted in a modern still style that highlights the dramatic coastal influence and volcanic soils of Madeira.

## Interesting facts

- Tinta Negra is the most widely planted grape on Madeira, traditionally used for fortified wines but increasingly popular for still wines.
- The vines are grown on tiny, steep terraces called 'poios' carved into the volcanic hillsides of the island.
- Madeira Wine Company is one of the historic exporters of Madeira, dating back to 1913.

## Food pairing

This dry orange wine combines the high, refreshing acidity characteristic of Madeira's volcanic soils with a light phenolic grip from skin contact. It pairs excellently with rich, oily seafood, moderately spiced dishes, and roasted white meats, where the acidity cuts through fat while the texture matches the weight of the food.

## Wine making process

The Tinta Negra grapes are hand-harvested from steep, terraced volcanic vineyards across Madeira. To achieve the orange wine style, the grapes undergo a controlled period of skin contact during fermentation to extract color, texture, and light phenolics. Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve freshness, followed by a short aging period on light lees before bottling.