Quinta da Muradella ‘Candea’ Blanco
August 5th, 2026
Tucked into the rugged hills of southeastern Galicia, just a few miles from the Portuguese border, is Monterrei, one of Spain's most overlooked wine regions. While names like Ribeira Sacra and Valdeorras have captured the attention of sommeliers and collectors over the past decade, Monterrei has remained in the background, producing wines of remarkable character without the spotlight.
For over three decades, José Luis Mateo of Quinta da Muradella has dedicated himself to proving the potential of his home region. Through painstaking work in the vineyard and an unwavering commitment to Monterrei's native grapes, he's helped transform an appellation once known for bulk wine into one of Galicia's most exciting sources of terroir-driven wines. Today, his bottles are sought after by wine lovers around the world, yet they still offer remarkable value.
Named for the Galician word suggesting purity and simplicity, Candea was originally conceived as a home for fruit that didn't make its way into José Luis' single-vineyard wines. Over time, it evolved into something much more intentional: an approachable introduction to Monterrei that captures the region's identity without sacrificing complexity or precision.
A blend of three local varieties, Treixadura, Doña Blanca, and Verdello, it captures everything that makes Monterrei so compelling. Aromas of golden apple, beeswax, white flowers, and wet stone lead into a palate that's both rich and energetic, with ripe pear, orchard fruit, creamy texture, and vibrant mineral freshness carrying through a long, mouthwatering finish.
If you're looking to discover one of Spain's most exciting under-the-radar wine regions, add a new house white to your rotation, or simply experience why José Luis Mateo has earned such a devoted following, this is a bottle worth bringing home.
