Moscatel

Moscatel, also known as Muscat, is a renowned wine region encompassing diverse grape varieties known for their distinctive aromatic and floral characteristics. This ancient grape family is believed to have originated in the Middle East and has since spread across the globe over the centuries.

The grapes are grown in wine regions worldwide, with notable concentrations in countries like Spain, Italy, France, Greece, and Australia. They are highly valued for their intense and perfumed aromas, which often include floral notes like orange blossom, rose petals, and jasmine.

The wines come in sweet and dry styles, offering a wide range of taste experiences. Sweet Moscatel wines are known for their rich, honeyed flavours, while dry versions exhibit pronounced fruitiness and aromatic complexity.

Some regions, particularly Spain and Portugal, produce fortified Moscatel wines, where grape spirits are added to the wine to increase its alcohol content and preserve sweetness. This process results in luscious dessert wines like Moscatel de Setúbal from Portugal and Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise from France.

Moscato d'Asti from Italy and Moscatel Espumoso from Spain are sparkling wines made from the Moscatel grape, offering refreshing and aromatic bubbly options.

Due to their naturally sweet and aromatic nature, Moscatel wines are excellent for pairing with desserts like fruit tarts, cakes, and pastries. They also complement spicy and exotic dishes, making them versatile for various culinary experiences.

While Muscat is the overarching name for the grape family, several distinct Moscatel grape varieties exist, such as Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Muscat of Alexandria (Moscatel de Alejandría), and Muscat Ottonel, each contributing unique flavours and nuances to the wines.