Favaios Moscatel do Douro 1989

Reviews and awards:
18 points Grandes Escolhas Wine.

Despite its long aging process, this Moscatel still displays some of the most characteristic aromas of the grape variety, such as citrus, linden, and orange blossom. It is also strongly marked by aromas of honey, raisins, dried figs, and caramel, which give it great complexity. On the palate, the wine shows the typical sweetness of Moscatel de Favaios, very well balanced by the acidity characteristic of the plateau.

Winemaking:
Favaios 1989 is a type of wine that is only vinified in years when the grapes have demonstrated exceptional quality. After careful selection of the best Favaios grapes, they were macerated and fermented in the traditional way for the region. Alcoholic fermentation is very short; immediately after the cap rises, most of the must is drained off and brandy is added. A small portion of the must, however, continues to ferment and macerate with the skins for a few more days, and only later is this aromatically rich must fortified. The first and second fortified musts are then blended and stored in very old wooden barrels, where they age slowly, refining their bouquet over decades.