Quinta da Muradella Monterrei Alanda Blanco 2021 (6 Bottles) Monterrei, Spain

Sourced from a range of small plots, or majuelos, scattered across Monterrei’s three subzones, this is Muradella’s core white wine. Alanda means “get going!” and the blend includes Treixadura, Doña Blanca and Verdelho. There’s also a dollop of–the magnificently named–Monstruosa (after its large berries and bunches). The source vineyards are managed biodynamically and are low-yielding, with rocky soils that are mainly decomposed slate with granite and clay.

Each variety is vinified separately in stainless steel and fermentation occurs naturally. The Treixadura portion of the blend macerates on its skins for a few days.

“The 2021 Alanda Blanco is a village wine from Monterrei, a blend of Dona Blanca, Treixadura and Verdello that reflects the diversity of soils, altitudes and expositions. The varieties fermented together, being added to the vat progressively, and 1,500-liters matured in a used French oak foudre for 15 months and the rest was kept in stainless steel. It’s pale, young and austere, more about soil and rocks than fruit, with notions of wet granite and dry flowers. It has contained ripeness, 13% alcohol, very good acidity, freshness and balance, with a sense of purity and transparency that is common to all whites here. It has depth, energy and light and extra vibrancy this year. It could very well be the finest white Alanda to date.” 95 points, Luis Gutiérrez, The Wine Advocate