In the sunny Algarve region of Portugal, not only still wines are made but liqueur wines are also produced, such as this AlgarMoscatel, produced by the ÚNICA – Adega Cooperativa do Algarve, which was one of the first wine cooperatives in Portugal, founded in 1947, and is the last of the 4 cooperatives previously existing in the Algarve.
With about 50 members that translate into more than 350 hectares of vineyards, the grapes have very distinct “terroirs” that are reflected in the quality of the wines produced by the Cooperative. Proof of this has been the various awards given to its wines in the most prestigious national and international competitions.
The Única presents a very varied portfolio of still wines, three kinds of fortified wines, as well as their brandy aged in oak casks.
With a wide variety of varieties ranging from traditional regional grape varieties such as Negra Mole and Crato Branco to international varieties, Única’s partners have been committed to maintaining tradition combined with innovation.
This wine was made from 100% Moscatel grape. The grapes are de-stemmed and crushed. Fermentation takes about 5 days until it reaches the desired sweetness point. The alcoholic fermentation is then stopped, by adding brandy, giving the sweet character to this wine. It then ages in contact with its skins and seeds until January of the following year, a time considered necessary to mature the aromas and harmonize its structure.
The wine presents a deep amber color.
On the nose, complex aromas predominantly of orange blossom, honey, sweet jam, toffee and nutty notes.
On the palate, it has a body and elegant sweetness, which is accompanied by an intense acidity. But the aromas of flowers and honey are standing out. The finish is persistent and fresh.
A well-structured, smooth Moscatel wine.
Consume this wine with sweets or dried fruits, or at the end of the meal.
The cooperative couldn’t be more satisfied producing such a fortified wine in a region that has been recovering its winemaking tradition. It is undoubtedly a Moscatel that can pick up the fight in a duel with the national Moscatel wines!
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