Video Tour
Downloads
Bottleshot - Shelftalker-2016-Dunnuck.pdf - Shelftalker-2016-WineEnthusiast.pdf - Shelftalker-2019-Vinous.pdf - Shelftalker-2020-GuiaPenin.pdf - Shelftalker-2020-Suckling.pdf2020 Vintage
94pts
2020 Vintage
94pts
2018 Vintage
93pts
Denominacion de Origen
D.O. Málaga & D.O. Sierras de Málaga
Location
Vélez-Málaga, Alta Axarquía, the most historic subzone D.O. Málaga
Varietal
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.
Vineyards
Lagar del Fraile
Year(s) Planted
1910-1945
Viticulture
Traditional dry farmed viticulture. Practicing organic gobelet (vaso) trained vines. Cultivated completely by hand, with minimal human intervention. The majority of the vines receive no treatments whatsoever. Many of the vineyards are planted directly into the rock (slate) immediately after the phylloxera.
Soils
Decomposed slate with small a small percentage of white quartz. Located in the mountains of the Axarquía. No organic matter.
Climate
Extremely dry Mediterranean climate. The Axarquia is at high elevation which results in cool winters with no frost and warm summers. Our vineyard sites are oriented to the north, which protects the vineyards from the prevailing winds, especially during fl
Winemaking
Late harvest (partially dehydrated) bunches are whole cluster pressed in a pneumatic press. Fermentation occurs in small (1,500L) stainless steel tank s. When fermentation reaches 10% alcohol, the temperature of the tank is dropped dramatically to halt fermentation. A small amount of SO2 is added to stop fermentation and the wine is aged in tank for 8 months before bottling. 4.5kg of late harvest grapes are used to make one 375mL bottle.
Aging
6 months sur lie in stainless steel.
Comments
Golden color. Honey, candied fruits, and white flowers. An opulent mouth feel balanced out by bright acidity.