Alambre Moscatel is a delicious dessert wine and comes from the house of the prestigious wine maker José Maria da Fonseca who has been crafting some wonderful wines since 1834. The Alambre Moscatel de Setubal is made from the Muscat variety of grapes, which is known for its sweet, honey character.
Alambre Moscatel de Setubal owes its captivating flavours and aromas to the Muscat grape, specifically the Muscat of Alexandria. The Romans are believed to have introduced the Muscat of Alexandria variety from the east of the Mediterranean. Today, Moscatel comes from two regions of Portugal – Douro and Setubal.
Alambre Moscatel de Setubal grape variety is renowned for its amber colour but also for its aromatic qualities, with notes of orange blossom, apricot, citrus, and honey. Its rich, sweet, and floral characteristics make it an ideal choice for crafting a luscious dessert wine.
The Muscat grape is left to ripen on the vine, absorbing the warm Mediterranean sun and developing its distinct sweetness. Unlike a Port wine, the process of making Moscatel involves halting the fermentation process thus retaining its fruity sweet structure. Once bottled these bottles don’t age as it’s not exposed to natural oxidation.
Pouring a glass of Alambre Moscatel is like unleashing a symphony of flavours and aromas. Just as you raise the glass, you’ll instantly be hit with a refreshing bouquet of orange blossoms and ripe apricots with some hint of honeysuckle. On the palate, it enrols your senses with candied citrus, honey and sweet spices.
Pairing Suggestions: Alambre Moscatel excels when paired with a variety of sweet treats. Consider these delectable pairings to elevate your dessert experience:
- Fruit Tarts: The fruity sweetness of Alambre Moscatel complements the vibrant flavours of fruit
tarts, making for a heavenly combination. - Cheese: Most soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or blue cheese provide a delightful contrast to the
wine’s sweetness. - Pastries: Savour the sweetness of pastries such as baklava or almond croissants alongside a
a glass of Alambre Moscatel for a luxurious treat. - Dark Chocolate: The wine’s citrusy notes can accentuate the rich and bitter nuances of dark
chocolate, offering a harmonious pairing.
Alambre Moscatel de Setubal is a versatile wine which can had as an aperitif, some wonderful cocktails and yes, a dessert wine. It’s a refreshing wine that will certainly transport you to the sun-drenched vineyards of Setubal in Portugal with its golden colour, refreshing aromas, honey sweetness and versatility in pairings, Alambre Moscatel deserves a place of honour in the world of dessert wines.
