A unique and traditional style of Rueda white made in a rudimentary solera system, utilising flor, from Verdejo and Palomino Fino grapes. The 'mother' solera of Adorado dates back to 1967, but the first new production was in 2018 - and is Menade's tribute to their family's regional roots.
Production
The Verdejo and Palomino Fino grapes are hand-picked, and pressed in a historic vertical press dating back to 1900. The must undergoes spontaneous fermentation using the natural yeasts present in the grapes. After fermentation it's fortified using white wine spirit to add 2-3º additional alcohol prior to ageing. It naturally develops flor, typically during spring, and once this dissipates the oxidative 'criadera' process resumes each year. This is when a proportion of wine (saca) is removed from the end of a whole series of butts (criaderas) and is replaced proportionately along the line, so that the wine released each year is identical. The process takes place in winery's cool underground cellars at La Seca.
Adorado de Menade (1967 Solera Verdejo Palomino Fino) (Magnum) NV (1 bottle)
Vivino ratings
Tasting notes
Pronounced 'rancio' aromas - oxidative and nutty with underlying dried fruit notes. The palate is complex and structured, yet fine, with savoury and saline characters.
Info
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ABV
15.5%
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CASE/BOTTLE SIZE
1 x 150cl
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REGION/COUNTRY
VINO DE LA TIERRA DE CASTILLA Y LEÓN, SPAIN
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GRAPE
VERDEJO 50%, PALOMINO FINO 50%
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FEATURES
SUSTAINABLE, FORTIFIED
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CLOSURE
CORK
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WINEMAKER
RICHARD SANZ
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APPELLATION
VDT CASTILLA LEON
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ALLERGEN INFO
CONTAINS SULPHITES AND NO OTHER ALLERGENS
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Meet the producer
Bodegas Menade was established in 2005 by Alejandra, Marco and Richard Sanz - the 6th generation of this wine-producing family - just a kilometre west of the village of Rueda. Their winery incorporates a cellar hewn out of the solid rock of La Seca at the beginning of the 19th century. Richard is the winemaker at the estate, whilst his brother Marco is the viticulturalist, and sister Alejandra looks after exports and communications.
Their philosophy is grounded in nature, and respect for the vineyards and terroir. All wines are certified organic, no sulphur or copper sulphate is used in their vineyards, and fermentation is with only natural yeasts present on the grape skins. This is a producer of seriously interesting and innovative Rueda wines; their portfolio focuses predominantly on Verdejo and includes the stunning 'La Mision', which is part fermented in tinajas (traditional clay fermenting vessels) made from clay from their own vineyards, and a (non-Jerez) Palomino Verdejo flor aged wine.