Moscatel de Setubal
⏳ Drinking Window
2023 - 2045
🍽️ Food & Wine Pairings
Portuguese egg tarts (pastéis de nata), dark chocolate tarts, blue cheese
✨ Technical Specifications
Hailing from the sun-drenched slopes of the Península de Setúbal, Bacalhôa's Moscatel de Setúbal is a legendary fortified wine deeply rooted in Portuguese history. The region's unique microclimate, shielded by the Arrábida mountain range and cooled by Atlantic breezes, provides the perfect conditions for the Moscatel de Setúbal (Muscat of Alexandria) grape to develop intense aromatic complexity. The winemaking process is highly traditional: after partial fermentation, grape spirit is added to arrest fermentation, followed by an extended skin maceration that lasts through the winter months. This prolonged contact extracts the rich essential oils, orange peel, and honeyed notes characteristic of the style. The wine is then aged in seasoned oak casks, developing a complex bouquet of dried fruits, butterscotch, and exotic spices.
🍾 About the Producer
Founded in 1922 under the name João Pires & Filhos and later transformed into Bacalhôa Vinhos de Portugal, this illustrious estate is headquartered in Vila Nogueira de Azeitão on the Península de Setúbal. Owned by the Berardo family, the company has expanded across Portugal's premier wine-growing regions, including the Douro, Dão, Bairrada, and Alentejo, seamlessly integrating historic heritage with cutting-edge viticulture and extensive art collections. Bacalhôa is celebrated for its pioneering spirit, notably introducing landmark varietal bottlings and producing revered classics such as the legendary Quinta da Bacalhôa Cabernet Sauvignon and centuries-old traditions of fortified Moscatel de Setúbal. Their comprehensive portfolio spans exceptional dry reds, whites, rosés, and historic fortified wines that capture the authentic terroir and elegance of Portugal.
🍇 Grape Varieties
Moscatel de Setúbal
🍷 Alcohol By Volume (ABV)
17.5%