Moscatel de Alejandría

Moscatel de Alejandría is one of the oldest cultivated grape varieties in the world. It likely originated near Alexandria in Egypt and was introduced to the Iberian Peninsula by Phoenician traders around 1000 BC. The Romans knew it as 'apiana,' a reference to bees drawn irresistibly to its intensely sweet, musky berries. Pliny the Elder documented the grape in his writings. The name Moscatel itself derives from an Arabic term used during the Islamic occupation of Andalusia, reflecting the grape's deep roots across Mediterranean and Iberian history.

• Possibly originated in Egypt near the city of Alexandria
• Phoenicians introduced the variety to Iberia circa 1000 BC
• Romans called it 'apiana' (grape of the bees); documented by Pliny the Elder
• The name Moscatel derives from Arabic, linked to its time in Islamic Andalusia

Spain and Portugal are the heartland of Moscatel de Alejandría. Spain hosts approximately 8,900 hectares, concentrated in Andalusia, Valencia, Alicante, and Málaga provinces. Portugal accounts for around 700 hectares, with Setúbal and the Douro among the key zones. The variety thrives in hot Mediterranean climates with high solar irradiation and benefits from maritime influence in coastal areas. It tolerates a range of soils, from gravel to heavy clay, though limestone and siliceous soils are preferred for quality wine production. The variety is sensitive to cold during flowering and to powdery mildew throughout the growing season.

• Spain: 8,900 ha, concentrated in Andalusia, Valencia, Alicante, and Málaga
• Portugal: 700 ha, mainly in Setúbal and the Douro
• Requires hot Mediterranean climate with high solar irradiation
• Sensitive to cold at flowering and prone to powdery mildew

Moscatel de Alejandría is strikingly versatile. It produces dry and off-dry table wines, fortified wines, and some of the Iberian Peninsula's most celebrated sweet wines. In Málaga, it is blended with Pedro Ximénez to create the region's richly sweet wines. In Setúbal, Portugal, it is the foundation of Moscatel de Setúbal, a classic fortified dessert wine. In Jerez, it appears as Moscatel sherry. The grape's naturally high sugar levels and great aromatic power, with notes of orange blossom, jasmine, and stone fruit, translate vividly into the glass regardless of style. Potential alcohol can reach 14% ABV in drier expressions.

• Produces dry whites, sweet wines, and fortified wines
• Blended with Pedro Ximénez in Málaga DO wines
• Foundation variety for Moscatel de Setúbal (Portugal) and Jerez Moscatel sherries
• Aromatic profile centers on orange blossom, jasmine, and stone fruit

Moscatel de Alejandría is a late-ripening variety, reaching harvest in August or early September in the Northern Hemisphere. It produces large, fleshy, pale amber berries with a distinctly musky flavor and very high sugar accumulation. The vine responds well to short pruning and tolerates intensive irrigation effectively. Yields are naturally low. Beyond wine, the variety is widely grown for fresh table grape consumption and raisin production, making it one of the most commercially important Muscat varieties globally. Its cultivation extends well beyond Iberia to Australia, North Africa, Tunisia, the United States, and South America.

• Late-ripening; harvested August to early September in the Northern Hemisphere
• Large, fleshy, pale amber berries with high sugar content and musky character
• Responds well to short pruning and intensive irrigation; naturally low yields
• Grown for table grapes and raisins as well as wine worldwide