Wine Variety: Verdejo is the aromatic white grape variety of Rueda and one of the most exciting of all Spain's indigenous white grapes. It is named for the green colour of its fruit (verde is Spanish for green). Whilst Verdejo's leaf is similar to that of Verdelho, it seems that the only connection between the two is Verdejo's close relationship to Godello, a vine called Verdelho by some in Portugal. Verdejo is used to produce mono-varietal wines (often scented wines, developing a richly nutty character with age) but is nowadays frequently blended with Sauvignon Blanc or Viura
Wine Region: We are high up in the wilds of Castilla y Leon in Rueda. Having been decimated by Phylloxera, Rueda was replanted with the Palomino grape, its main production being a fortified wine not unlike sherry. Today, Rueda produces wines that are dry, light and unfortified. Sauvignon Blanc is quite widely planted here.
Wine Producer: Bodegas Menade was established in 2005 by Alejandra, Marco and Richard Sanz - the 6th generation of this wine-producing family - just a kilometre west of the village of Rueda. Their winery incorporates a cellar hewn out of the solid rock of La Seca at the beginning of the 19th century. Richard is the winemaker at the estate, whilst his brother Marco is the viticulturalist, and sister Alejandra looks after exports and communications. Their philosophy is grounded in nature, and respect for the vineyards and terroir. All wines are certified organic, no sulphur or copper sulphate is used in their vineyards, and fermentation is with only natural yeasts present on the grape skins.
Pretty pale lemon in the glass with the merest hint of green. The nose is rich and both yeasty and zesty. It’s got a smoky, lees character, plus lots of citrus peel aromas, principally lemon and lime, although I can find a touch of grapefruit. I can also locate something herbal, possibly sage. The palate comes across as really quite savoury. There’s great density of fruit here, but it is allied to that smokiness I found on the nose, plus an earthily mineral thing that runs right through the wine, emerging at the rear to add a granular texture across one’s tongue. It finishes in green apple and pithy, quite firm acidity. It’s a super thing, no doubt. An intrigue…
#3wordtastingnote: citrus, savoury, mineral
All our wines are given a Sweetness Indicator from 1 to 5, with 1 being the driest and 5 being the sweetest.
This can be found for every wine under the Wine Details tab.
Most red wines are dry and therefore are indicated with a 1. The sweetness becomes more relevant with white wines, sparkling wines and pudding/dessert wines such as Sauternes and Tokaji.
AVAILABLE: Currently lying in our storage at London City Bond Dinton Woods
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TO ARRIVE: Currently lying abroad or in transit
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UNDER BOND PRICES: Exclusive of UK Duty & VAT
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