A BOTTLE WE LOVE:

Quinta da Muradella's 'Candea' is an *extremely* tasty bottle of Tinto that will look festive on the table (and please every palate in the fam).

WHAT'S IN THE BOTTLE:

'Candea' is an organic blend of Mencia, Tempranillo, Garnacha Tintorera, and Mouraton from Monterrei DO, on the southern inland edge of Spain's Galicia. While the rest of Galicia is intensely influenced by the Pacific coast, remote Monterrei is a mountain-influenced outlier in the region.

This is a field blend style classic to Monterrei, where grape varieties are generally mixed in the vineyard; using a "progressive fermentation" technique, each variety is added to the fermentation as it's harvested. Tank fermented, with 1/3 whole clusters included, and then aged in tank for a year.

It's the entry-level wine from Quinta da Muradella, where grower-and-winemaker José-Luis Mateo is known for his experimentation with local varieties and methods. Originally created as a use for extra fruit, it's grown to become a mainstay in his lineup (and a much-beloved cuvée on our shelves).

WHY WE DIG IT:

It's an approachable, delicious style we can't recommend enough this time of year: juicy, soft, and fresh. Wild berry, flowers and herbs plus a kiss of tannin on the finish for texture.

HOW WE'RE DRINKING IT:

'Candea' flexes on the table whether that's plated or potluck – a joyous bottle that no one has to think too hard about (but they certainly can if they want to).

We recently revisited this bottle as part of the 'Exploring Galicia' class with our friend Adam Rieger, and it hit the spot for everyone in the room. A reminder of just how universally delicious it is.

HOLIDAY TINTO $26