A first look at the Canary Islands’ newest star: Michael Candelario.

At just 24, Michael’s first vintage release – not just stateside, but ever – has had a buzzy reception on the Spanish mainland. And while he may be young, his vines (and history) are not.

A 4th generation grower with centenarian vines on La Palma, Michael is connected to the Canary Islands’ most talented producers; with his work mentored by Tenerife’s Iñaki Garrido

He’s currently farming two hectares, all in the island’s northwestern village of Puntagorda. The oldest vines were planted by his great grandfather and, like Victoria, he has been working to restore even more local vines.

But perhaps most compelling is the altitude in his ocean-view vineyards, which sit well above the cloud line at a whopping 1400ish meters:

(For context, that's about 200m below the highest vineyard in Tenerife which is, technically, the highest in all of Europe.) Add the wind-whipped nature of La Palma, and you have an extremely exposed site that channels the island’s electric energy.

Michael’s wines are high wire, no surprise that they are turning heads. Tinto is here, and we eagerly await the arrival of his much applauded Blanco later this year.

2023 Michael Candelario Tinto Canary Islands, Spain, $50
Equal blend of Negramoll, Listán Negro and Listán Prieto fermented with partial whole clusters in stainless steel, aged in 300L barrel for 8 months, touch of SO2 at bottling. Smoky, saline, herbal and wild.

Photos via @bodega_michaelcandelario