Tasting Notes
The Vivas family have farmed Quinta do Olival da Murta on the north-western slope of Serra de Montejunto for five generations; winemaker Joana Vivas made the estate's first wine in 2013. Their 20 hectares of clay-limestone vineyards sit at the foot of the mountain range, just 15 kilometres from the Atlantic, with a microclimate shaped by morning sea fog and steady Atlantic breezes. Everything is certified organic. The Moscatel Graúdo is an unusual wine from an unusual grape: Moscatel Graúdo is the large-berry Muscat of Alexandria strain, known elsewhere as Muscat à Gros Grains or Moscatel Romano, grown here for its aromatic intensity and natural freshness. The winemaking is distinctive: whole-bunch fermentation without crushing in 1,000-litre vats with spontaneous yeasts, skins fully immersed during fermentation for around ten days, then gently pressed in a vertical hydraulic press and fermentation completed in stainless steel. No filtration, no fining; low sulphites at 25mg/l. Despite the skin contact, the wine is dry, fresh and lively rather than heavy. Floral and sweet on the nose — roses, peach, honey, mint — but the palate delivers freshness and precision, not sweetness. An unexpected, lovely contradiction. Good with spiced dishes, soft cheeses, aromatic fish and as a wine that needs nothing more than a glass and some attention.
Details:
- Grape variety: Moscatel Graúdo (100%), clay-limestone soils, Quinta do Olival da Murta, Serra de Montejunto, Lisboa; certified organic; low sulphites: 25mg/l
- Vinification: Whole-bunch fermentation without crushing; spontaneous yeasts; skins immersed approx. 10 days; pressed in vertical hydraulic press; fermentation completed in stainless steel; no filtration; no fining
- Aging: In stainless steel on fine lees
- Organoleptic description: Golden; roses, peach, honey, mint, floral; dry, fresh and precise palate, clean and lively finish
- Food pairing: Spiced dishes, soft cheeses, aromatic fish, contemplative glass
