N°4 Esencia

D.O. Málaga & D.O. Sierras de Málaga

Almáchar, Axarquía, Málaga

100% Muscat of Alexandria. The oldest variety in the Muscat family and one of the few remaining genetically unmodified vitis vinifera cultivars remaining in the world today. The Phoenicians transplanted this grape from Alexandria, Egypt to Málaga approximately 2,600 years ago.

El Panderón & Monte Faco

1902, 1908

Traditional dry farmed viticulture. Practicing organic gobelet (vaso) trained vines. Cultivated completely by hand, and grapes are carried up the mountain with the assistance of mules. The majority of the vines receive no treatments whatsoever and minimal human intervention. Many of the vineyards are planted directly into the rock (slate)

Mountain vineyards planted without terraces at inclinations of up to 80%. Slate and white quartz soils.

Extremely dry Mediterranean climate with less than 200 mm of rainfall per year. The Axarquia is at high elevation which results in extreme diurnal shifts in the summer allowing for long and balanced maturation. Our vineyard sites are north facing.

The grapes are arranged one layer deep in small boxes that are stacked in a cool room in the winery for further drying. Rigorous selection of the late harvest, dried grapes on a selection table. The dried grapes are pressed and the must is immediately transferred to one, large format French oak barrel for fermentation and ageing. Due to the incredibly high residual sugar, the must will only ferment to 5% alcohol. 512 grams of residual sugar. 40 kg of grapes required to make one 375 mL bottle.

The 2015 vintage remained in barrel until bottling in 2022.

Incredibly complex. Intense, golden, marmalade-like color. The nose is captivating with aromatics of marmalades and caramelized tropical fruits. Profound concentration and opulence in the mouth followed by an extremely pure, long finish. Esencia is a unique product, made from raisins of the Moscatel de Alejandria. The traditional method of drying the grapes in the sun cooks the natural aromatics of the grapes, so we dry the grapes in the dark in order to preserve the freshness of the aromatics.