Sobrenatural 2019

Bodegas Menade is a pioneering organic estate in Rueda, founded in 2005 by the Sanz siblings (sixth generation of one of the region’s historic winemaking families). Although the modern project is relatively recent, the family’s viticultural roots in Castilla y León date back to the 19th century, and they are widely recognised as early champions of Verdejo and the Rueda DO. From the outset, Menade positioned itself around organic farming, biodiversity and low-intervention winemaking, becoming one of the first fully certified organic estates in the region. The philosophy is built on working with native yeasts, minimal sulphur, and vineyard health driven by natural treatments and ecological balance rather than chemical intervention. All vineyards are estate-owned and farmed organically, spread across clay-limestone soils with stone-rich plots typical of Rueda. The style across the range is defined by purity, lees texture, and a “wild but precise” expression of Verdejo and other varieties from Castilla y León.

Sobrenatural is Menade’s most experimental Verdejo, produced only in selected vintages from organic estate fruit. Fermentation is with native yeasts, followed by malolactic conversion with wild bacteria, without added sulphur.

The wine is aged for three years in large barrels and clay amphorae in the Secala-Menade 1820 cellar, under a layer of flor, then a further two years in bottle before release. This extended biological and oxidative ageing develops structure and tertiary character beyond a typical fresh Verdejo style.

Complex layers of dried apricot, quince and honey with toasted nuts, spice and savoury depth. Oxidative and structured, with firm acidity, evolving texture and a long, contemplative finish.

Aged hard cheeses (Manchego, Comté). Roast chicken with rich sauces. Mushroom dishes or truffle pasta. Aged charcuterie

DO Rueda is found about 180 km North West of Madrid in the heart of Castille and Leon. On an elevated plain of around 700m above sea level it has a strong continental climate enduring extreme heat and cold. To the north it touches the Duero River (with alluvial soils with high lime content) and to the south the soil is sandy with a gravel and clay subsoil. Because of this there is a good number or 100+ year old pre phylloxera vines knocking about. For all intents and purposes it is known for one thing, Verdejo, which is a grape that everyone loves officially. Whilst sometimes blended with Sauvignon Blanc and Viura they are generally fresh, fruit forward wines with intense citrus and melon and great acidity, often of exceptionally high quality.