Alambre 20 Years Moscatel de Setúbal DOC - José Maria da Fonseca

In the glass, Alambre 20 Years Moscatel de Setúbal DOC - José Maria da Fonseca shines in an intense amber with copper reflections and light orange hues. From the very first swirl, an opulent bouquet escapes, marked by candied citrus peel, dried apricots and raisins. Added to this are notes of rosemary, honey, caramel, roasted almonds and a hint of oriental spices reminiscent of cinnamon and nutmeg.

On the palate, this Moscatel appears powerful, dense and at the same time silky. The pronounced sweetness meets a precise acid structure that provides tension and clarity. Aromas of orange marmalade, dates, figs and toffee spread across the entire palate, accompanied by hints of roasted nuts and slightly smoky wood notes. The texture appears creamy, almost oily, without losing finesse. The tannins from the long barrel aging integrate gently and lend the wine substance and contour.

On the nose and palate, a complex spectrum of aromas unfolds, which continues to evolve. Little by little, floral Moscatel notes, a trace of rosemary, some dried rose petals and a delicate spiciness emerge. The finish is impressively long, with lingering impressions of caramel, candied orange and fine wood nuances that remain present even minutes later.

This wine comes from the traditional DOC region of Setúbal on the Península de Setúbal south of Lisbon. The Moscatel grape variety here shows its Mediterranean radiance. The warm, sunny climate of the region favors intense aromatic expression and high ripeness. The vines are rooted predominantly in clay soils, which store moisture well and give the grapes concentration and depth.

• Grape variety: Moscatel (single varietal)
• Origin: Setúbal DOC, Península de Setúbal, Portugal
• Color: bright amber with copper reflections
• Taste: sweet, dense, multi-layered
• Texture: creamy, concentrated, velvety
• Finish: very long, aromatic aftertaste

1. Intense bouquet with citrus, dried fruit and rosemary
2. Dense, silky-creamy structure on the palate
3. Harmonious interplay of sweetness and lively acidity
4. Very long, aroma-rich finish
5. Ideal with desserts and as a contemplative soloist

Production of Alambre 20 Years Moscatel de Setúbal DOC - José Maria da Fonseca

The Moscatel grapes for Alambre 20 Years Moscatel de Setúbal DOC - José Maria da Fonseca come from selected plots in the DOC Setúbal. The climate features distinctly warm summers and mild winters. Atlantic influences bring freshness, which gives the grapes aromatic depth. The clay-rich soils store water, promote even ripening and are associated with concentrated, expressive musts.

The harvest is selective, with a strong focus on fully ripe, aromatic berries. Only grapes with high aromatic density and perfect physiological ripeness go into pressing. This creates the basis for the exceptional intensity of this wine. After pressing, fermentation follows, which is stopped by the addition of brandy, preserving part of the grapes’ natural sweetness.

Aging decisively shapes the character of this wine. Alambre 20 Years Moscatel de Setúbal DOC - José Maria da Fonseca matures for many years in small barrels made of used wood. This long maturation period ensures oxidative development and enormous complexity. The used wood imparts subtle roasted and spicy notes without overpowering the varietal aroma. Over the course of two decades of aging, a harmonious connection of fruit, sweetness, spice and nutty tones emerges.

The style of the José Maria da Fonseca house has stood for generations for precision and elegance in the field of Moscatel wines. Careful barrel selection, patient maturation and finely tuned blending of various lots create a multi-layered overall picture. Each bottle conveys the long tradition of the house and the unmistakable character of the Setúbal region.

Tasting recommendations for Alambre 20 Years Moscatel de Setúbal DOC - José Maria da Fonseca

This Moscatel is excellently suited as a companion to dessert creations. It is particularly harmonious with:

• Crème brûlée with a crunchy caramel crust
• Orange tart or lemon tart with shortcrust pastry base
• Almond cake, nut cake or Florentines
• Blue cheese and mature hard cheese as an aromatic contrast
• Desserts with dried fruits, figs or dates

As a soloist, this wine accompanies quiet moments of enjoyment after a special meal. It is ideal for a romantic dinner where a dessert wine with depth and elegance forms the crowning conclusion. It also unfolds its charm as a contemplative fireside wine after a long day and invites attentive, slow savoring.

For optimal unfolding of the aromas, a serving temperature between 15 and 18 °C in a dessert wine glass is recommended. At this temperature, the texture appears silky and the sweetness present, while the lively acidity supports the structure. A slightly cool serving temperature at the beginning allows the bouquet to gradually open up in the glass.

The cellaring potential of this wine extends over many years. A dark, low-vibration environment with consistently rather cool temperatures preserves its aromatic depth. Already bottled with age, it continues to develop nuances of nuts, spices and dried fruit in the bottle. Those who open individual bottles at intervals of several years experience the ongoing development of this great Moscatel over time.

Whether as the crowning conclusion to a meal, as a gift for connoisseurs or as a special bottle in your own wine cellar: this Moscatel de Setúbal, matured for 20 years, unites tradition, craftsmanship and an impressively opulent taste experience in a classically designed 0.75 L bottle.

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