Moscatel

Q: What is Moscatel – a grape variety or a wine type?

Moscatel is a grape variety – more precisely, one of the oldest aromatic varieties in the world, botanically belonging to the Muscat family. The name refers to the grape, not a specific aging style. Whether dry, sweet, or as a fortified wine: everything depends on how the winemaker processes the grapes.

Q: How do I recognize a good Moscatel?

The trademark of the variety is orange blossom, ripe grapes, and rose scent – these aromas should be clear and fresh, not heavy or artificial. On the palate, sweetness may be present, but it should be balanced by acidity or freshness. If a Moscatel tastes flat or sharp on the finish, it usually lacks ripeness or care in the cellar.

Q: How does Spanish Moscatel differ from Portuguese?

Spanish Moscatel is often aged as a fortified wine – with added alcohol, intense sweetness, and long aging, partly in the Solera system. Portuguese Moscatel often appears somewhat lighter and more floral, with more freshness. Both styles stand on their own – the difference lies less in the grape than in the cellar tradition.

Q: What is a Moscatel fortified wine, and how is it made?

With a Vino de Licor Moscatel, fermentation is interrupted by the addition of brandy – this preserves natural grape sugar, and the alcohol rises to 15–22% vol. The result is a velvety-sweet wine with a long shelf life. On the Iberian Peninsula, this style is particularly rooted in Andalusia and Portugal.

Q: What does Moscatel pair with at the table?

Sweet Moscatel wines harmonize with blue cheese, almond desserts, or fresh fruit – the sweetness of the grape needs a counterpart with spice or acidity. Lighter, dry variants pair well with aromatic dishes like Asian cuisine or goat cheese. Served well-chilled as an aperitif, both styles work.

Moscatel is one of the oldest and most aromatically impressive grape varieties in the world. What makes it so special: its intense aromas of orange blossom, ripe grapes, and roses are transferred almost unchanged from the grape to the glass. On the palate, it reveals its versatility – from dry and fresh with lively acidity to velvety and sweet as a dessert wine, everything is possible.

Moscatel grapes are primarily grown on the Iberian Peninsula , where Spain and Portugal produce intense sweet wines that have rightfully achieved cult status. At Vinoscout, you'll discover five carefully selected Moscatel wines priced between €7.95 and €27.72 – an accessible introduction to one of the world's most fascinating grape varieties.

5 products

Gold

Alcohol-Free

Spain

Catalonia

Moscatel

Natureo Free Blanco alcohol-free

Torres 4.4

9,85 €

0,75 l (13,13 €/l)

Gold

Sottal Leve Branco 2024

Companhia Agricola do Sanguinhal

7,95 €

0,75 l (10,60 €/l)

Gold

Andere

Viña Esmeralda Sparkling

Torres

13,95 €

0,75 l (18,60 €/l)

Nutrition Facts

Spain

Mallorca

Cuvée

Bodega 65 Cuvee Dos Blanc 2024

Bodega65

22,90 €

0,75 l (30,53 €/l)

90

Solera Familiar Moscatel Emilín

28,25 €

0,75 l (37,67 €/l)

Nutrition Facts

Other grape varieties

Aglianico Albariño Arinto Arneis Auxerrois Bacchus Barbara Blaufränkisch Cabernet Blanc Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Callet Cannonau Carignan Carmenère Carricante Catarratto Chardonnay Chenin Blanc Cinsault Codega Colombard Complexa Cortese Corvina Dolcetto Dornfelder Elbling Falanghina Fiano Folle Blanche Friulano Frühburgunder Gaglioppo Gamay Garganega Yellow Muscat Gewürztraminer Glera Graciano Pinot Gris Grechetto Greco Grenache Grenache Blanc Grenache Gris Grenache Noir Grillo Groppello Gros Manseng Grüner Veltliner Gutedel Inzolia Kerner Lagrein Lambrusco Lemberger Loureiro Macabeo Malbec Malvasia Nera Manto Negro Marsanne Marselan Marzemino Melon de Bourgogne Merlot Monastrell Monica of Sardinia Montepulciano Moscatel Moscato Moscato d'Alessandria Müller-Thurgau Muscat Muskattrollinger Nebbiolo Negroamaro Nerello Mascalese Nero d'Avola Nero di Troia Palomino Fino Parellada Passerina Pecorino Pedro Ximenez Petit Verdot Pinot Bianco Pinot Blanc Pinot Grigio Pinot Gris Pinot Meunier Pinot Nero Pinotage Portuguese Prensal Blanc Primitivo Rabigato Regent Ribolla Gialla Riesling Rondinella Roussanne Sagrantino Sangiovese Sauvignon Blanc Scheurebe Semillon Silvaner Gray Souvenir Pinot Noir St. Laurent Syrah Tempranillo Tinta Barroca Torrontés Touriga Nacional Trapiche Varietals Trebbiano Trebbiano di Lugana Trepat Trollinger Verdejo Vermentino Vernatsch Viognier Pinot Blanc Welschriesling Xarello Zinfandel Zweigelt

Frequently asked questions

What is Moscatel – a grape variety or a wine type?

Moscatel is a grape variety – more precisely, one of the oldest aromatic varieties in the world, botanically belonging to the Muscat family. The name refers to the grape, not a specific aging style. Whether dry, sweet, or as a fortified wine: everything depends on how the winemaker processes the grapes.

How do I recognize a good Moscatel?

The trademark of the variety is orange blossom, ripe grapes, and rose scent – these aromas should be clear and fresh, not heavy or artificial. On the palate, sweetness may be present, but it should be balanced by acidity or freshness. If a Moscatel tastes flat or sharp on the finish, it usually lacks ripeness or care in the cellar.

How does Spanish Moscatel differ from Portuguese?

Spanish Moscatel is often aged as a fortified wine – with added alcohol, intense sweetness, and long aging, partly in the Solera system. Portuguese Moscatel often appears somewhat lighter and more floral, with more freshness. Both styles stand on their own – the difference lies less in the grape than in the cellar tradition.

What is a Moscatel fortified wine, and how is it made?

With a Vino de Licor Moscatel, fermentation is interrupted by the addition of brandy – this preserves natural grape sugar, and the alcohol rises to 15–22% vol. The result is a velvety-sweet wine with a long shelf life. On the Iberian Peninsula, this style is particularly rooted in Andalusia and Portugal.

What does Moscatel pair with at the table?

Sweet Moscatel wines harmonize with blue cheese, almond desserts, or fresh fruit – the sweetness of the grape needs a counterpart with spice or acidity. Lighter, dry variants pair well with aromatic dishes like Asian cuisine or goat cheese. Served well-chilled as an aperitif, both styles work.

How are Moscatel and Sherry related?

Moscatel is one of the permitted grape varieties in the Sherry growing region of Jerez. There, it is mostly used as an independent sweet wine or as a blending wine to give other Sherries more fullness and aroma. A single-varietal Moscatel Sherry is a category of its own – intense, sweet, with distinct raisin and floral notes.

Moscatel – fragrant, versatile, unmistakable

Moscatel is one of the oldest and most aromatically distinctive grape varieties in the world. What makes it so special: this intense, floral-fruity fragrance that fills the room the moment you pour it. Typical are floral notes – orange blossom, rose petals – combined with a fine fruitiness that ranges from fresh and light to lush and sweet, depending on the wine type. Moscatel can be vinified dry, semi-dry, or noble sweet, as a still wine or sparkling wine – the variety is amazingly versatile.

Between Spain and Portugal

Moscatel is primarily at home on the Iberian Peninsula. In Spain, it is used to create both elegant dry wines and concentrated sweet wines with a long tradition. Portugal is also well-acquainted with the variety – here it often appears fresh and light-footed. Both countries are represented in our small but fine assortment.

Discover Moscatel at Vinoscout

With us, you will find five carefully selected Moscatel wines between 7.95 and 27.72 EUR – including the classic Viña Esmeralda Sparkling by Torres as a sparkling variant, the Natureo Free Blanco as an alcohol-free option, and the concentrated Solera Familiar Moscatel Emilín for those who like it a bit more intense. Whether you are looking for an uncomplicated summer wine or something special for dessert – there is something here for every taste.

#collection-seo-text-template--26641147003216__collection_seo_data.is-collapsed { max-height: none; } #collection-seo-text-template--26641147003216__collection_seo_data.is-collapsed::after { display: none; } #collection-seo-text-template--26641147003216__collection_seo_data ~ .collection-seo-data__toggle { display: none; }

Free Shipping

Good wine should bring joy – not be complicated. That's why we offer free shipping within Germany and Austria for orders over €99 and ensure fast, reliable delivery. Whether it's a single bottle or a discovery case, your order will arrive safely packaged and hassle-free. Clear, fair, and without surprises – just the way we want to buy wine ourselves.

Transparency and fairness

Our customer model reflects our brand values: accessibility, authenticity, a spirit of discovery, and sustainability . Everyone can join us and will be treated fairly. The more you become part of the Vinoscout community, the more you benefit. We believe in a collaborative wine culture where connoisseurs and newcomers learn from each other. No hidden costs, no complicated terms and conditions – just transparent benefits that grow with your passion for wine.

Security & Trust

Over 150,000 satisfied customers speak for themselves. At Vinoscout, you shop securely – with protected payment methods and reliable shipping. Your data is just as safe with us as your wines. Trust isn't just a marketing promise for us, it's the foundation of every order.