The 2020 Candea Tinto is a beautifully vibrant and terroir-driven red from José Luis Mateo’s acclaimed Quinta da Muradella estate in Monterrei, Galicia. Conceived as a more approachable expression of the estate’s rugged Atlantic terroir, the wine blends indigenous varieties including Mencía, Araúxa (Tempranillo), Garnacha Tintorera and Mouratón from organically farmed vineyards around the village of Tamagos on clay-rich soils at roughly 370 metres elevation. Fermented naturally with around one-third whole bunches and aged for over a year in tank rather than oak, the wine reflects Mateo’s philosophy of purity, freshness and transparency above extraction or winemaking artifice.
The nose reveals wild berries, red cherry and crushed raspberry layered alongside dried flowers, herbs and subtle earthy spice, giving the wine remarkable aromatic lift and Atlantic freshness. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with supple tannins, vibrant natural acidity and a juicy, mineral-driven core. Layers of dark berry fruit, plum and savoury herbal nuance unfold with excellent balance and energy, finishing fresh, polished and beautifully drinkable with very fine tannins and minimal oak influence. Critics have praised the wine’s "raw and authentic" personality together with its balance, drinkability and floral complexity.
Ben’s Recommendation:
The 2020 Candea Tinto is a superb modern Galician red — vibrant, savoury and effortlessly drinkable with outstanding freshness and purity. Perfect with charcuterie, roast pork, grilled lamb, tapas, mushroom dishes or smoky Spanish cuisine. Enjoy now through 2030.
