2023 Michael Candelario Tinto, 750ml

Michael may only be 24, but he’s already carrying on four generations of grape-growing tradition on the island. His vineyards sit at staggering heights, 1,200 to 1,400 meters up on the steep northwestern slopes, well above the clouds. The old, centenarian vines are split between Negramoll, Listán Negro, and Listán Prieto.

Days here are hot, nights are cool, and the constant Alisios trade winds sweep in salinity from the nearby ocean (which you can often see right from the vineyards). Michael ferments in stainless with some whole bunches, foot treads the fruit, and ages the wine for eight months in barrel, adding only a touch of SO₂ at bottling. Poised, driven, and clearly passionate, he’s showing just how special this place can be.