Quinta da Muradella Red Blend El Pliegue Galicia 2015

This wine is like if a pageant queen also did power lifting competitions – it’s just as pretty, floral, and elegant as it is savory, mineral, and powerfully brooding with stewed red fruits and herbal notes. A sincerely stunning ride that could easily surpass the triple-digit price threshold, made from organic and biodynamic native grapes of Spain’s balmy Monterrei DO. Under $50 + 95 points = deal happily sealed! 

We have a tender spot for Spanish field blends that are reminiscent of days of yore, and this one just so happens to be exceptional. The source vineyard was planted with native Bastardo, Mencía, Carabuñenta, and Brancellao grapes in 2001, and this 2015 vintage also pulls in some Caíño Longo to add floral lift and aromatic elegance. The grapes co-ferment on 50% whole clusters, aging for three years in 2,400-liter oak barrels before another three years in bottle before release. The final wine is a rustic beauty, with generous raspberry and roasted strawberry notes alongside a bushel of sage, eucalyptus, rosemary, peonies, and roses. Earth, white pepper, and iron notes linger as punchy balsamic acidity buttons up the ethereal ride before coming to a long, drawn-out finish. In a word... mesmerizing.

It comes from Quinta da Muradella – an ancient vineyard in the tiny Spanish appellation gem of Monterrei, snuggled in tight against the Portuguese border. José Luis Mateo made the bold choice to drop out of college in Madrid in the ‘80s to return to his family’s long-neglected land in the small Galician town of Verín, vowing to restore the vineyards in order to make soulful, terroir-driven wines.

In just a few decades, he’s become one of the most prominent winemakers in Spain, with his portfolio flying to cult status in the past 30-plus years of production. With an unbridled devotion to his craft, José Luis roams his vineyards regularly to observe the vines, which sit between 300 and 700 meters elevation with a vast range of grape varieties, soil types, and exposures – all of which contribute to his dazzlingly complex and remarkable wines. This one in particular has us in a trance. It’s focused, yet rugged... pure, yet lavishly layered. All of this for under $50 (compare at $90 typical retail), plus 95 points? Get at least a few to show off to your friends.

PAIRING IDEAS: Go for an authentic empanada Gallega (savory Galician pie) – the crisp, flaky dough and peppery, tomato-drenched tuna filling is a mouthful of flavor that will make this wine’s bright elements shine.