Quinta da Muradella - Monterrei 'Alanda' Tinto 2018

Jose Luis established his winery Quinta da Muradella in 1990. At that time, the heart of the project was a single south-facing vineyard his father had planted in 1985 named Gorvia. This parcel served not only as a base of operations in the early years, but also as sort of a “training ground” for learning about the ups and downs of growing grapes in this rugged and mountainous terroir. As the winery developed and progressed, Jose Luis was also able to add other parcels to his roster through some long-term leases throughout the appellation, often in the highest elevations of the mountains. Many of these were very old, heirloom vineyards that hearkened back to another era in Spain’s rich viticultural history, yet at the same time, required enormous hands-on labor to maintain and harness their optimal potential for quality. As the winery achieved some early successes, José-Luis was able to purchase some choice land in 1999 and to plant his namesake vineyard, Muradella.

Geologically, the soils in the appellation are of mixed origin and content. In general, the base subsoil throughout the zone is granite but there are also bands of various sands, schist as well as a very iron-rich red clay. In many of the parcels, this complex tapestry of soils is combined with mixed field blends of local varieties to create interesting, layered and complex wines. Starting in 2005, all the vineyards were converted to organic viticulture. Also, when vines die and need to be replanted, he does so with a massale selection from his oldest vineyards.

Approximately 1/3 whole bunches and 2/3 de-stemmed/crushed fruit is added to a fermentation that continues as the estate's parcels are harvested. The wine is aged fro 15+ months in a mix of concrete and stainless steel tanks, and French oak foudres, before assembly in stainless steel tanks for an additional year before bottling.

"The characterful 2018 Alanda Tinto was produced with a blend of Mencía, Bastardo and Garnacha Tintorera from their vineyards with different soils (slate, sand and clay) in different parts within Monterrei. It fermented together with one-third full clusters in stainless steel and concrete and matured in barrique, stainless steel and concrete vats for 15 months; then it was blended and put back in stainless steel for one more year. It has very good freshness, purity of aroma and flavors and a medium-bodied palate, with moderate alcohol and very fine tannins. 13,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in August 2022." - 93 Points, The Wine Advocate

"The 2018 Tinto Alanda blends Menica, Bastardo and Garnacha Tintorera from the small DO Monterrei, fermented in steel, concrete and wood. A garnet-hued wine, the nose features pink peppercorn, balsamic and bloody notes. Rich and warm, with a mild expression, the whole-clusters used here impart this savoy red with fine grained tannins." - 91 Points, Vinous

Producer: Quinta da Muradella

Country: Spain

Region: Galicia

Varietal: Mencía, Arauxa (Tempranillo), Garnacha Tintorera, Mouraton

Appellation: Monterrei

Vintage: 2018

Size: 750ml