Favaios Moscatel do Douro 1999

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:
The year 1999 was one of the most generous for the quality of Moscatel grapes in Favaios. The grapes reached an extraordinary concentration, allowing the creation of this Moscatel full of aromas characteristic of the variety. After careful selection of the best Favaios grapes, they were macerated and fermented as was traditionally done in the region. Alcoholic fermentation is very short; soon after the cap rises, most of the must is drained off and brandy is added. A small portion of the must 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 the wine ages slowly, refining its bouquet over decades. The long years of aging in wood have helped to further develop and complexify the wine's aromatic profile as well as its palate. It is a fine example of the best Moscatel wines produced on the Favaios plateau.