Dalva Moscatel Do Douro Portugal Fortified Wine 75 cl 17%

High above the Douro river, where the air is cooler than down by the water, grow the grapes that give this fortified wine its intense scent of flowers and dried raisins – a different side of Dalva's world than the classic Port.

Expert's Description

Dalva Moscatel Do Douro is a Portuguese fortified wine from the Douro Valley, made from the Moscatel grape and bottled at 17%.

The grapes for this wine grow above 500 metres above sea level on the slopes around Alijó, where cooler nights give them a natural freshness and intense aroma. After harvest the must is fermented, and fermentation is stopped by adding grape spirit – the same method used for Port, only with a different grape and a much lighter, more floral style.

The wine first matures for three years in stainless steel, preserving its fresh, floral character, and then a further two years in oak vats, which add a light, rounded complexity.

Behind the bottle stands Dalva, the brand of the Port house C. da Silva in Vila Nova de Gaia, founded in 1862 and named after Clemente da Silva, who took over the firm in 1933.

Tasting Notes

Nose

The nose is intense and floral, with lavender, lychee and dried raisins, plus a hint of spice.

Palate

The palate is fresh and aromatic, golden in character, with sweetness balanced by a citrus-like edge.

Finish

The finish is fresh and lightly menthol, closing on a citrus note that keeps the wine light despite its sweetness.

Specifications

Name: Dalva Moscatel Do Douro
Winery: Dalva
Region/Country: Douro, Portugal
Type: Fortified Wine (Moscatel)
Grape varieties: Moscatel
ABV: 17%
Size: 75 CL
Ageing: Mixed (stainless steel and oak)
EAN no.: 5603003401017
Serving suggestion: Serve chilled at 8-10°C as an aperitif or with desserts

Flavour Profile

Floral · Aromatic · Fresh · Golden

Did You Know?

Moscatel is one of the world's oldest aromatic grape varieties, and unlike the red grapes behind classic Port, this wine's perfume does not come from the skins but from the grape juice itself – which is why the aroma is so pronounced even before the wine reaches the glass.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Dalva Moscatel Do Douro

What is the difference between Moscatel Do Douro and standard Port?

Moscatel Do Douro is a fortified wine made from the aromatic Moscatel grape, while classic Port is typically made from red varieties such as Touriga Nacional – Moscatel gives a far more floral, perfumed style.

How does Dalva Moscatel Do Douro taste?

It is intense and floral with lavender, lychee and dried raisins, closing on a fresh, lightly menthol finish with citrus.

At what temperature should it be served?

Serve it chilled at 8-10°C, ideally as an aperitif or alongside a fruit-based dessert.

Is the bottle suitable as a gift?

Yes, its floral, aromatic style makes it a distinctive gift for anyone who already knows classic Port and wants to try something new.

Where are the grapes for this wine grown?

They grow above 500 metres altitude on the slopes around Alijó in the Douro Valley, where cooler nights add extra freshness.

How should the bottle be stored after opening?

Store it chilled, ideally in the fridge, and drink it within a couple of weeks to best preserve its fresh, aromatic character.