Candea Tinto 2020

Candea Tinto is made by José Luis Mateo at Quinta da Muradella in Verín, in the Galician region of Monterrei. Mateo began in 1991 with four hectares of native varieties, later working alongside Raúl Pérez to explore the region's grapes and blends. This red brings together indigenous Bastardo, Garnacha Tintorera, Mencía and Mouratón. Bastardo and Mencía give perfume and freshness, while Garnacha Tintorera adds colour and depth, held in balance by the inland Galician climate and its wide diurnal range, which preserves acidity and keeps alcohol moderate at 13 per cent. Barrel ageing softens the tannin through slow oxygen exchange while keeping the aromatic red fruit clear. The colour is medium, bright ruby. The nose shows red cherry, raspberry and plum with black pepper and a leafy, earthy note. The palate is light to medium bodied and fresh, with fine tannin, bright acidity and a savoury, herbal finish. Serve at 15 to 16 degrees. It suits roast poultry, game birds and mushroom dishes.