Menade Sauvignon Blanc 2024

Menade Sauvignon Blanc is an organic white from Bodegas Menade in Rueda, in Castilla y León. The winery was established in 2005, though the family has made wine for six generations. Rueda lies on the high plateau of the Duero, and its stony, gravelly soils and elevation of around 700 metres are central to the style: the altitude brings very cold nights and warm days, and that wide diurnal range locks in the aromatics and the sharp acidity that mark the region's Sauvignon Blanc. The vineyards are farmed organically, with cluster thinning to lower yields, and the fruit is picked by hand during the day and by machine at night to bring in cool grapes. Fermentation is carried out at a controlled low temperature to preserve the primary aromatics, with no oak, keeping the wine fresh and direct. The colour is pale straw with green tints. The nose is intense, with passion fruit and citrus over green apple, white peach and elderflower. The palate is dry, crisp and mineral, with a grassy lift and a clean, saline finish. Serve well chilled at 8 to 10 degrees. It suits shellfish, white fish and fresh salads.