2014MenadeVerdejo2014 Bodegas Menade, Verdejo, Rueda Spain.
This all organic Verdejo from near Valladolid in the Rueda region is like a Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc in style and crisp/tangy on the palate with loads of fresh lemon/lime, summer melon and gooseberry fruits, bitter herb, dusty stones and a touch of green almond oil. Crafted by the sibling team of Marco, Richard and Alejandra Sanz, Menade is certainly one of the great values of the region, they are making an exciting wine with bright detail and energy, it is native yeast fermented without sulfur and aged solely in stainless, it sees time on the lees to give a bit more complexity and richness. The soils are most clay and sand with veins of minimal limestone with some round pebbles and white carbonate dust, which adds to the distinct terroir flavors. I would much rather have this brilliant Verdejo than some generic New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, this white shows much more character and charm. Seriously tasty, tangy and vibrant with poise and elegance, it is hard to imagine a better $10 white for summer sipping or tapas, this wine shows vitality and personality that rarely can be matched for the price, being organic and low sulfur is a bonus, this this now and often, best from 2016 to 2018, perfect for picnics with fruit and cheeses as well as a refresher on warm evenings or for party quaffing!
($10 Est.) 91 Points, grapelive

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