Verdejo 2025

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.

Estate-grown Verdejo from multiple organic plots in Rueda, 30 year old vines on average, vinified separately to preserve soil expression. Natural fermentation takes place in stainless steel at controlled temperatures (18–22°C) using native yeasts. After fermentation, the wine rests on lees for 3 months, adding texture and mid-palate weight without losing freshness. First organic Verdejo in DO Rueda.

Citrus peel, green apple and stone fruit with fennel, herbs and a subtle floral lift. Crisp and vibrant, with textured lees weight, saline tension and a clean, dry finish driven by fresh acidity.

Grilled sea bass or white fish. Shellfish (prawns, clams, oysters). Goat’s cheese salads with citrus dressing

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.