Menade Nossa 2023

Menade Nossa is a natural, vegan red made from Tempranillo by Bodegas Menade in the Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León. The Verdejo siblings, Alejandra, Marco and Richard, founded Menade in 2005, following ancestors who have grown vines since 1820 in what is now the D.O. Rueda, and the wines are made in an underground cellar excavated in rock that keeps its original nineteenth century architecture and a cool, stable temperature. This is a young, low intervention wine with no oak ageing, the fruit grown on the sandy soils of the high Castilian plateau, where hot days and cold nights hold acidity and keep the fruit fresh. Working naturally, with native yeast and minimal additions, keeps the focus on bright primary fruit and the herbal character of the surrounding scrubland. Expect a bright red colour, a nose of fresh red and black fruit with subtle floral notes over a backdrop of wild herbs, and a juicy, fluid palate with soft tannin and lively acidity. The finish is fresh and clean. Serve lightly chilled at 14 to 16 degrees with charcuterie, grilled pork or tomato based dishes.