Jorge Ordonez & Co Victoria Nº 2 2024

Jorge Ordonez & Co works in D.O. Malaga-Sierras de Malaga, in the Andalusian hills above the coast, with Moscatel de Alejandria from organically farmed vines around 50 years old. The wine is made by hand with minimal intervention, picking very ripe Moscatel to concentrate sugar naturally on the vine rather than fortifying. Slate and schist soils and a warm, sunny climate tempered by Mediterranean breezes give low yields of intensely aromatic fruit. Fermentation is slow and partial, leaving high residual sugar balanced by the variety's natural acidity, with no added spirit. The wine then spends 10 months on its lees, the spent yeast cells releasing mannoproteins that add texture and a subtle savoury depth while the sweetness stays fresh. The colour is a brilliant pale gold. The nose is intensely Muscat, with ripe apricot, white peach, honey and orange peel over a floral lift. The palate is sweet and silky yet balanced by bright acidity, the lees ageing adding weight without dulling the fruit, and the finish is clean and citrus-edged. Serve chilled, around 8 to 10 degrees, in a small glass. It suits stone-fruit tarts, sponge cakes and creamy blue cheese.