Wine of the week: Franck Massard “Herbis”, Rueda
Posted on September 21st, 2009
Saved in Sour Grapes recommends, White wine, €10-€15
A great white from Stoneybatter’s Drinkstore opened this week. It was the Franck Massard “Herbis” from Rueda in Spain.
Where’s Rueda?
Rueda is about 160km northwest of Madrid in the province of Castilla y León and specialises in white wine.
The Herbis is made from the two Spanish grapes, Verdejo and Viura (known elsewhere as Macabeo).
About Verdejo
Verdejo is said to have a unique flavour, with a hint of scrub herbs, a fruity touch and an excellent level of acidity.
About Viura
Viura is a white grape which first found fame in Rioja.
What did it taste like?
- On the nose, very very very similar to a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. Uncannily so.
- In the gob, lipsmackingly refreshing lime and passionfruit, again very reminiscent of an NZ sauvie, but which quickly turns into a gorgeous lemony sherbet frothyness.
- Verdict? Absolutely gorgeous. Delivers in spades and competes extremely well with the €15+ bracket of New Zealand Sauvignon Blancs.
- Price: around €11
With all the talk of value these days, you won’t get much better than this one. It’s a real gem.
Rueda is genuinely very good! I’ve had a string of good ones over the past few months. . .
[...] The Rueda blend of Verdejo and Viura, called “Herbis”, was bloody good when I had it a while back. Check it out here. [...]