Moscatel de Setúbal

Moscatel de Setúbal is a sweet fortified wine from the Setúbal Peninsula, just south of Lisbon. Fermentation is stopped with grape spirit, then the skins stay in the wine for months, which gives it orange peel, honey and dried fruit. Here you will find young and aged bottles, Moscatel Roxo and tasting tubes.

Think you do not like sweet wine? Ask us for a small glass first.

Moscatel or Moscatel Roxo?

Most bottles are made from Moscatel de Setúbal, the local name for Muscat of Alexandria, also called Moscatel Graúdo. It smells of orange blossom, grapes and apricot. Moscatel Roxo is a pink-skinned Muscat grown on very little land. To us it is a bit more spicy and less grapey.

Age changes everything. A young Moscatel is golden and fresh. After years in old casks it turns amber to brown, with dried figs, caramel and nuts, and the sweetness feels lighter.

• To start: Horácio Simões Moscatel de Setúbal or Horácio Simões Moscatel Roxo de Setúbal, side by side if you can.
• Older and deeper: Horácio Simões Excellent Moscatel de Setúbal 50 cl and Horácio Simões Excellent Moscatel Roxo de Setúbal.
• To take home or try first: Portugal in Tube 10 Year Old Moscatel de Setúbal Superior (Tasting Tube), a small tube that fits in a bag.

How to serve it

Lightly chilled, around 10 to 12°C, in a small glass. Because it is fortified, an open bottle keeps for weeks in the fridge.

It loves a pastel de nata, orange cake and dark chocolate. Our favourite match is Queijo de Azeitão, a soft sheep cheese from the same peninsula (more in our Portuguese cheese guide). Looking for other fortified wines? See our Port wine page, or read what to bring back from Lisbon.

Questions we get asked

What is Moscatel de Setúbal?

Moscatel de Setúbal is a sweet fortified wine made mainly from Muscat grapes on the Setúbal Peninsula, south of Lisbon. Grape spirit stops the fermentation, and the skins macerate in the wine for months.

Is Moscatel de Setúbal the same as Port?

No. Both are fortified, but Port comes from the Douro and is mostly made from red grapes. Moscatel de Setúbal is made from Muscat, mostly white, and has a long skin maceration that gives its orange peel aroma.

How long does Moscatel de Setúbal keep once open?

Several weeks, with the cork in and the bottle in the fridge.

What is Moscatel Roxo?

Moscatel Roxo is a rare pink-skinned Muscat grape grown around Setúbal. Its wines are a little spicier and less grapey than standard Moscatel de Setúbal.