In the late Middle Ages, Moscatel de Setúbal was especially popular with Southern European royal families. The viscous substance was said to be effective against scurvy. Owner Leonor Freitas is the fourth generation to continue her family's winemaking tradition. Since 1997, she has been producing and bottling wine under the name Casa Ermelinda Freitas. The company was founded over a hundred years ago by Deonilde Freitas. Initially, the wines were sold unlabeled to wholesalers. After the sudden death of her husband, Manuel João (the only man to ever head the company), Leonor's mother, Ermelinda, took over operations and gave it her name. She almost immediately decided to plant multiple varieties. And in 1997, the first wines were sold under her name.
Fermentation takes place in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats up to a density of 1080. During fermentation, 77 percent vol. neutral alcohol is added, halting the fermentation process and leaving residual sugars in the wine. This is followed by 24 months of aging in half-barrel oak barrels.
Only 12,000 bottles of this sweet liqueur were produced exclusively from Moscatel de Setúbal grapes, grown in vineyards in Fernando Pó, a privileged area of Palmela. It has a beautiful amber color and complex citrus aromas, reminiscent of orange peel, dried fruit, and honey. On the palate, it is full-bodied, concentrated, and sweet, with high acidity and a long, lingering finish. A beautiful wine, yet not nauseating, thanks to its excellent balance of acidity and sweetness. Ideal on its own or with sweets from Arab cuisine.
