Pepe Mendoza Moscatel Rare 2019

Pepe Mendoza Moscatel Rare is a sweet wine from the D.O. Alicante in Valencia, made from Moscatel de Alejandria, the large berried Muscat that thrives along the warm Spanish Mediterranean. The vineyards sit on poor limestone and sandy soils under intense coastal sun, conditions that ripen the grape to high sugar while preserving its aromatic intensity. Moscatel de Alejandria is one of the few grapes whose perfume survives drying and concentration, which is why it has long been the base for sweet wines in this region. The grapes are left to overripen and concentrate their sugars, fermentation is stopped to retain sweetness, and the wine is aged in wood, where slow oxygen exchange adds depth and a faint nutty edge without erasing the fruit. The colour is bright gold. The nose is openly floral, with orange blossom over apricot and honey. The palate is sweet and unctuous but lifted by citrus acidity, carrying dried apricot, raisin and orange marmalade through to a long finish. The 375ml format suits its richness. Serve at 8 to 10C in a small glass. It works with fruit tarts, citrus desserts and blue cheese.