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2017 Bodegas Jorge Ordonez & Co Malaga No 2 Old Vines Moscatel
94 VM
Vinous (Galloni) | 94 VM
Type of Wine | Dessert |
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Varietal |
Muscat
: One of the most ubiquitous names in the world of wine is Muscat, or Moscato. It is globally recognized and celebrated by winegrowers and consumers alike. On the surface, it might seem simple, but given a closer look, Muscat may be the Rubik’s cube of grapes… or family of grapes. Muscat is not a single grape but a family of cultivars, ranging from the small but classy Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains to the productive Muscat of Alexandria and Muscat of Hamburg to the central European staple, Muscat Ottonel. It is one of the oldest and most widespread grape families in the world. Muscat may not be thought of as one of the great international classics, but its history is many times longer than that of such newcomers as Cabernet Sauvignon, for example. Muscat’s lineage dates back thousands of years and is thought to have originated in ancient Greece. It is one of the most complex categories of grape the world has to offer. As one might expect, the variety is particularly diverse and ramified. Ampelographers have discovered and documented almost 200 varieties of Muscat being cultivated today. It is grown in nearly every winegrowing region on Earth and has many different names, depending on its place of cultivation. Muscat is known as Moscato in Italy, Moscatel in Spain and Gelbermuskateller in Germany, among others. Given the diversity of Muscat, it is difficult to distinguish physical appearance, preferred terroir and amenable climes. The family of grapes is well traveled and has adapted well to different growing conditions making it incredibly widespread. The most generalized description of Muscat wine is that it possess aromas of sweet Meyer Lemon, Mandarin orange, ripe pear, orange blossom and honeysuckle. Its aromatic profile is perhaps one of its hallmark characteristics. There are, of course, a myriad of describing qualities, characteristics and styles, but the most popular may be that of the Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains variety, also known as Moscato Bianco. Considered the finest of the Muscat family and found everywhere, from the sweet, sparkling wines of Moscato d’Asti to the heady, fortified Vin Doux Naturels of Muscat Beaumes-de-Venise. These noble Muscat grapes are small, pale yellow-skinned berries and produce wines that generally have heady tangerine, mango, lychee, jasmine, beach rose and orange blossom notes. On the palate, expect those same tropical fruit notes with zesty orange and sweeter spiciness. The most famous example is the Moscato d’Asti style which is marketed and consumed world-wide. The more-hardy, loose-bunched Muscat of Alexandria with larger berries, good disease tolerance and an affinity for warmer climes is another variety found in nearly every winegrowing region around the world. The wine styles range from dry, sweet, sparkling and dessert. The variety is most often labeled simply as “Muscat.” It might be considered inferior to other varieties, but is easy to grow and easy to drink. Moscato Rosa on the other hand, is a dark-skinned grape of Italian origin producing rosy-hued wine. Its origins are obscure, with some sources claiming a Sicilian background while others point to its spread through Italy, Dalmatia and towards Greece as evidence of its ancient origins. As one would expect, the wine is produced into “pink” Moscato. Muscat of Hamburg, a similar variety, also known as Black Muscat is a dark-skinned variety which produces a light blush style with an interesting character. Muscat Ottonel is one of the younger members of the family and produces the palest wines (in terms of coloration) but is more resistant to colder climates and has become a staple in the Mediterranean. While the aromatics of the Muscat grape is a universal and remarkable characteristic, they are also unusual as grapes in that their flavor as a berry is mirrored by their flavor as a wine. As such, many clusters can be found gracing fruit bowls as well as wine glasses in growing areas. Malaga in Southern Spain is well-known for its production of dried, raisin-like Moscatel berries. The possibilities of Muscat are endless, found virtually everywhere on Earth and in nearly every style of wine. It has endeared itself to the world of wine and impresses with its antiquity and diversity. |
Country |
Spain
: Grapevines have been cultivated on the Iberian Peninsula for thousands of years, making Spain one of the oldest wine producing countries on earth. With nearly 1 million hectares under vine, Spain is in possession of more grapevines that any other nation in the world. Today, vineyard cultivation takes place in virtually every administrative district, making it a leading producer on today’s market. Spain’s vineyards generate an annual wine output of 40.7 million hectoliters, ranking it third in the world behind only France and Italy. Spain is a land of breathtaking beauty, diverse topography, complex cultures and a time honored tradition of viticulture. The country’s broad geographical values play a major role in defining the many wine styles produced. From the cool climes of Galicia and the snow-capped Pyrenees to arid Andalucía in the south, and every region in between the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts, Spain boasts one of the most diverse terroirs in the world. The country’s myriad of soils and complex climate systems creates an expansive planting ground for a multitude of varietals. Tempranillo has long played an instrumental role in Spanish winemaking. It is important to note that of the 236,000 hectares being cultivated world-wide, 202,000 are planted in Spain. It is commonly utilized in the production of still red wines from Rioja, Ribera del Duero and Toro and has taken the world by storm. In the past few decades, wines produced in Rioja have been some of the most popular, and in 2017, wines with a “Rioja” label were the most purchased on the wine market. Bodegas Vega Sicilia, located in Ribera del Duero in northern Spain has been one of the most sought after producers hailing from Spain, and Tinta de Toro (otherwise known as Tempranillo everywhere else) has certainly placed its mark on the region and the world. Spain is also renowned for its production of sweet, raisened Moscatel, fortified Madeira, sparkling Cava and its rising, but shining star, Albarino, which hails from the Rias Baixas appellation of Galicia. Some of the most recognizable names in the world of wine hail from Spain. In the past few decades there has been a collision of New and Old World winemaking; one which has greatly contributed to the continued success of the Spanish wine industry. Modernization of vineyards, facilities and viticulture has greatly improved the significance of Spain in the wine market. Syrah and Merlot have taken root in Spanish wine regions and combined with the indigenous Garnacha (Grenache) Garnacha Blanca (Grenache Blanc), Godello and many others, the country has not only adapted to new styles of winemaking but also the ever changing palate of consumers. |
Region | Andalucia |
Subregion | Malaga |
Producer | Bodegas Jorge Ordonez & Co |
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Need Help Finding the right wine?
Your personal wine consultant will assist you with buying, managing your collection, investing in wine, entertaining and more.