1942 Moscatel De Setubal Superior José Maria Da Fonseca
The 1942 Moscatel de Setúbal Superior from José Maria Da Fonseca is a rare and precious wine that embodies the richness and complexity of the great fortified wines from Setúbal. With its intense aromas of dried fruits, caramel, honey, and spices, as well as its velvety texture and persistent finish, this wine is a true oenological masterpiece. Perfect for lovers of rare and historic wines, it can be enjoyed on its own or paired with rich and sophisticated dishes, or as a meditative wine for special occasions.
Wine estate: Domaine José Maria Da Fonseca
Grape varieties: Moscatel de Setúbal
Region: Setúbal, Péninsule de Setúbal, Portugal
Appellation: Setúbal
Color: Amber
Format: Bottle 0.75 L
Description
The 1942 Moscatel de Setúbal Superior is a sweet fortified wine produced by the renowned Domaine José Maria Da Fonseca, one of the oldest and most respected wine producers in Portugal. Made from the Moscatel de Setúbal grape, this wine originates from the Setúbal region, known for its rich and sweet wines. This 1942 vintage is a true oenological treasure, aged for decades to develop incredible complexity and depth. Fortified wines from Setúbal are known for their exceptional aging potential, and this wine is no exception, offering an extraordinary sensory experience.
Blend
This wine is crafted from Moscatel de Setúbal, an aromatic grape variety cultivated in the region. The vinification process involves fortifying the wine by adding brandy, which halts fermentation and preserves the grape’s natural sweetness. The wine is then aged in oak barrels for several decades, gaining a rich aromatic profile and concentrated structure while maintaining a refreshing underlying acidity.
Tasting notes
Color: The wine exhibits a deep amber color with golden and copper highlights, a testament to its age and prolonged barrel aging.
Nose: The nose is extraordinarily complex and intense, with aromas of dried fruits like fig, walnut, and dried apricot, complemented by notes of caramel, honey, toffee, and chocolate. Spicy hints of cinnamon, clove, and vanilla enhance the bouquet, along with subtle nuances of roasted coffee, tobacco, and fine wood, indicating the long barrel aging influence.
Palate: On the palate, the 1942 Moscatel de Setúbal is rich, velvety, and incredibly concentrated. Flavors of dried fruits, caramel, and honey persist, alongside notes of candied orange, fig, and prune. The texture is dense and silky, with a sweetness perfectly balanced by vibrant acidity, providing freshness and preventing the wine from feeling heavy. The finish is impressively long, with lingering notes of coffee, chocolate, and wood, offering an aromatic persistence that lasts for several minutes.
Aging potential
The 1942 Moscatel de Setúbal has an exceptionally long aging potential and can be kept indefinitely under proper storage conditions. Fortified wines like this have the ability to remain stable and continue improving in the bottle for many more decades. It can be enjoyed now or saved for special occasions.
Food pairings
Blue cheeses: Stilton, Roquefort, or Gorgonzola.
Dried fruits: Walnuts, almonds, dried apricots, or figs.
Chocolate desserts: Dark chocolate cake, fondant, or mousse.
Spiced and dried fruit desserts: Nut tart, spice cake.