A famed grape from Madeira finds a home in the Sierra Foothills. A zippy, zesty, lip-smackingly fun and refreshing single vineyard wine, today’s deal is the 91-93 point Calafia Verdelho from Randle Johnson.
The Verdelho grape is most well-known for its part in the fortified wines of Madeira, as well as the excellent table wine examples found throughout Portugal and Australia. When not fortified, it produces a crisp, refreshing and complex wine.
What you may not know; however, is that this variety has also found a home in one of our favorite value spots – the Sierra Foothills of California.
Today’s example, from Bart’s Vineyard and made by the highly respected Randle Johnson (nicknamed “The Wine Doctor”), is absolutely perfect for summer sipping.
Randle was the winemaker at Stags’ Leap Vineyard, the vineyard manager and cellar master at Mayacamus Vineyards, rebuilt the Bodega Colomé brand in Argentina, and makes the Mt. Veeder and Artezin wines for the Hess Collection among many other distinguished positions. Calafia Cellars is his personal brand, started in 1979.
Randle uses his vast knowledge of the area and his decades of expertise to make some truly off-the-radar gems just like this Verdelho. This is a labor of love, and it shows in the glass.
Normally priced at $32 a bottle, you won’t pay anywhere near that price through today’s deal. And with just 4 barrels produced, this one won’t last long!
For the next day you can get 4 bottles
This Article was originally published on The Reverse Wine Snob
