Wines Muscat of Setúbal José Maria da Fonseca - Alambre - 2018

Viniou Reviews

José Maria da Fonseca’s 2018 Cuvée Alambre is a classic Muscat de Setúbal DOC wine, hailing from one of Portugal’s most iconic producers in the Setúbal Peninsula. Principally crafted from Muscat of Alexandria, this fortified sweet wine seduces with its amber-red colour and intense aromatic complexity. The 2018 vintage displays dominant notes of orange blossom, dried apricots, honey, and a hint of spice, underpinned by the grape’s natural floral exuberance. The wine is vinified by allowing skin contact to macerate and infuse the must with concentrated flavours and colour, before fortification and maturation in oak, which bestows subtle oxidative nuances and a lengthy, velvety finish.

The Setúbal Peninsula is renowned for its sheltered position between the Atlantic Ocean and the River Sado, benefiting from moderate maritime influences and prolonged, sun-drenched summers. This climate, coupled with sandy soils, ensures Muscat grapes ripen fully, yielding wines of great aromatic intensity and sweetness. The region’s winemaking heritage traces back to the 19th century with the Fonseca family at the forefront, celebrated not only for quality but for their continued innovation in sweet wine production.

A versatile partner at the table, this Muscat de Setúbal is especially exquisite alongside rich pâtés, blue cheeses, or duck liver terrine, where its luscious sweetness provides a harmonious contrast. For dessert, pair it with egg-based Portuguese classics like pastel de nata, almond tart, or citrus-infused cakes. Alternatively, its marmalade and spice notes elevate fruit-based desserts, caramel flans, or even dark chocolate with candied orange.

To best enjoy José Maria da Fonseca Cuvée Alambre 2018, serve slightly chilled between 10-12°C. Decanting is not required, but allowing the wine a few moments in the glass before drinking will enhance its aromatic expression. Enjoy in small glasses to fully appreciate its intensity, savouring it as an indulgent close to a meal or as a companion to sweet or savoury delicacies.