Setúbal. Douro. Honey.
Port and Madeira are Portugal's most famous fortified wines.
But there is a third that deserves just as much attention.
Moscatel is golden, aromatic and gloriously sweet, with a freshness that keeps you coming back for another sip.
It is one of Portugal's great treasures, and still something of a secret outside the country.
What Is Moscatel?
Moscatel is the Portuguese name for the Muscat family of grapes, some of the oldest and most aromatic grape varieties in the world.
Muscat grapes are famous for smelling and tasting of the grape itself, with floral, orange blossom and honeyed aromas.
In Portugal, Moscatel is most famously made into a fortified sweet wine.
Moscatel de Setúbal
The best-known Portuguese Moscatel comes from the Setúbal Peninsula, just south of Lisbon.
Moscatel de Setúbal is a protected designation of origin with a long history.
Its main grape is Moscatel de Alexandria.
The region's warm, sunny climate, tempered by the Atlantic and the Sado estuary, gives ripe, perfumed grapes.
How Is It Made?
As with Port, fermentation is stopped by adding grape spirit, leaving natural sweetness in the wine.
What makes Setúbal special is what happens next.
The grape skins are traditionally left in contact with the fortified wine for an extended period, often several months.
This extracts extra aroma and flavour from the skins, giving Moscatel de Setúbal its intense perfume.
The wine is then aged, often for many years, in wooden casks.
Moscatel Roxo: The Rare Pink Grape
Moscatel Roxo is a rare variety of Moscatel with pinkish skins.
It was once close to disappearing, but producers in Setúbal have helped bring it back.
Moscatel Roxo wines are often described as more delicate and spicy, with notes of rose, orange peel and dried fruit.
For Moscatel lovers, it is a must-try.
Moscatel do Douro
The Douro Valley, home of Port, also produces Moscatel.
Moscatel do Douro is made mainly from Moscatel Galego Branco grapes, often grown at higher altitudes.
The village of Favaios is particularly well known for it.
These wines are often fresher and lighter in style, with bright citrus and floral notes.
Young or Aged?
Young Moscatel is bright and fruity, full of orange blossom, grapes, apricot and honey.
With age, it deepens in colour and develops notes of dried fruit, toffee, nuts, spice and candied orange.
Age-indicated bottles, such as 10, 20 or 40 Years Old, and wines from a single harvest year show how beautifully Moscatel evolves over time.
Superior on a Moscatel de Setúbal label indicates a wine meeting higher quality and ageing requirements.
How to Serve Moscatel
Serve Moscatel chilled, around 10 to 12°C for younger styles and slightly warmer for older wines.
A small wine glass is ideal.
In Portugal, Moscatel is enjoyed as an aperitif as well as with dessert.
Young Moscatel over ice with a twist of orange or lemon is also refreshing.
Moscatel and Food
Moscatel loves desserts, especially those made with eggs, almonds, oranges and caramel.
Think pastéis de nata, pudim flan, almond tarts and orange cake.
It is also excellent with blue cheese and creamy sheep's milk cheeses.
Older Moscatel works well with dried fruit, nuts and dark chocolate.
Choosing Your Moscatel
For a fresh, fruity introduction, choose a young Moscatel de Setúbal or Moscatel do Douro.
For something rarer, try Moscatel Roxo.
For depth and complexity, explore aged bottles with an age indication.
For a truly special occasion, choose an old single-harvest Moscatel.
Portugal's Golden Treasure
Moscatel is sunshine, sweetness and time captured in a bottle.
It is a wine to share at the end of a long meal, with good food and better company.
Pour a little, take your time and discover why it has been loved in Portugal for centuries.
Explore Moscatel at EU Cellar
From fresh, young Moscatel de Setúbal to rare Moscatel Roxo and old Douro bottles, discover our Moscatel wine and dessert wine collections.
Find the golden bottle that ends your meal perfectly.
Shop the Bottles
- Bacalhôa Moscatel de Setúbal 5 Year Old Fortified Wine 750ml
- José Maria da Fonseca Alambre Moscatel de Setúbal Fortified Wine 2022 750ml
- Quinta do Piloto Moscatel Roxo de Setúbal Superior 10 Year Old Fortified Wine 750ml
- Horácio Simões Moscatel Roxo de Setúbal Fortified Wine 500ml
- Favaios Moscatel do Douro Fortified Wine 750ml
- Niepoort Moscatel do Douro 5 Year Old Fortified Wine 750ml
Shop all Moscatel | Portuguese favourites
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18+ only. Please enjoy responsibly.