Jorge Ordonez & Co. Selección Especial Nº1 2024

Jorge Ordonez & Co produces this single-variety Moscatel de Alejandria in D.O. Malaga-Sierras de Malaga, from vineyards averaging about 40 years old set at roughly 400 metres in the Axarquia mountains. The altitude brings cooler nights, and the wider diurnal range helps the grapes hold acidity while ripening under a predominantly sunny, dry climate. Yields are very low, which concentrates flavour in the fruit. This is a late-harvest sweet wine, the sugar built up on the vine rather than by fortification, so fermentation stops naturally with high residual sugar and no added spirit. It then rests 6 months on its lees, a shorter elevage than the estate's other Moscatels, which keeps the style notably fresh and youthful while the lees add a little texture. The colour is pale and bright, reflecting that youth. The nose is floral and grapey, with white peach, apricot, honey and orange peel. The palate is sweet and supple but lifted by clean acidity, finishing fresh and aromatic rather than heavy. Serve well chilled, around 8 degrees, in a small glass. It suits fresh fruit salads, light sponge cakes and young goats' cheese.