The Muscat grape is one of the oldest grape classes known to the wine world. Rather than just being one grape, Muscat includes a family of grapes, found in a range of colors: from white to brown to near black. The Muscat Blanc grape is the oldest assortment and produces the most intense grape flavors. Small in size, Muscat Blanc is not always white and it can produce both dry and sweet wines. Muscat of Alexandria is larger and often darker than the Muscat Blanc, and creates wines of intense sweetness.
Moscatel de Setúbal is a Portuguese dessert wine produced around the Setúbal Municipality on the Península de Setúbal. The region is known primarily for its fortified Muscat wines.
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Moscatel de Setúbal was traditionally made with a minimum 67% of Muscat grapes, but must contain at least 85% of Muscat to name the grape on the label: as Moscatel de Setúbal, or Moscatel Roxo or simply Roxo. Setúbal wines are always seriously sweet, and may be sold at alcohol levels between 16 and 22%. |
