Grapes Moscatel Galego
Grape guide · white
Moscatel Galego
The Douro name for Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains: the most fragrant Muscat. Usually sweet, as Moscatel do Douro — but made dry, a surprise.
Moscatel Galego Branco is the Portuguese name for Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, the finest of the many Muscat grapes. In the Douro it grows mostly on the higher slopes around Favaios and Alijó.
Moscatel usually means sweet, and usually that is right: Moscatel do Douro is a fortified, sweet wine. But vinify the grape dry and you keep the perfume — and get a dry white that smells sweet but is not.
At a glance
- Colour
- White
- Other name
- Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
- Where in Portugal
- The Douro, especially around Favaios and Alijó
- Taste
- Grape, blossom, citrus, lychee, tropical fruit
- Styles
- Sweet and fortified (Moscatel do Douro), or dry
Dry or sweet
The classic style is sweet and fortified, like Port. Made dry, the exuberant perfume — grapefruit, lychee, blossom — remains while the wine is dry and fresh on the palate. That contrast makes it surprising at the table.
In a blend it brings perfume. In Quinta de Santa Eufémia’s dry white Douro it does exactly that, beside the structure of Viosinho, Rabigato and Gouveio.
What to eat with it
A dry Moscatel suits aromatic and spicy food: curry, Thai and Indian dishes. The fruit soaks up the spice. Light and fragrant, it also makes a good aperitif.
Read on
Our wines with Moscatel Galego
Quinta de Santa Eufémia Branco
Varna's house white. Douro, but dry.
A dry white blend of four Douro grapes from the valley of Port. Floral, fresh and remarkably long — Varna's house bottle for birthdays, parties and sushi.
Availability to be confirmed
Moscatel Galego Branco
Moscatel that is not sweet. Still makes a statement.
Pure Moscatel Galego grown on granite and slate around Alijó. Grapefruit, lychee and lime; dry and mineral with a silky texture. The bottle for spicy curry or prawns.
Availability to be confirmed
Frequently asked questions
Is Moscatel always sweet?
No. Moscatel do Douro is sweet and fortified, but the grape can also be made dry. The wine then smells of sweet fruit but tastes dry.
What is Moscatel Galego?
The Portuguese name for Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, the finest and most fragrant Muscat. In the Douro it grows mostly around Favaios and Alijó.