Hacienda de Lluna Moscatel Rosado 2024
Flavor Profile
Temperatures in Valencia, Spain have been known to stretch well beyond 90℉ come summertime. So as you may imagine, the locals are in need of some serious refreshment. Which is exactly why winemaker Fernando Tarin decided to craft this pretty pink beverage. Made from Muscat of Alexandria grapes (known locally as Moscatel), Hacienda de Lluna Moscatel Rosado is a slightly sparkling, semi-sweet rosé with low alcohol and a whole lot of vibrant fruit flavor.
Grown widely throughout Spain—and especially in areas near the Mediterranean—Moscatel is well known for its exotic aromatics and ultra-grapey flavor, and the intensely sweet wines it can produce.
To make this balanced thirst-quenching version, Fernando chills its tanks part way through production. This halts fermentation (the process that changes grape juice to wine), and gives him more control of the resulting sweetness and alcohol levels. He then blends in a bit of red Grenache for a lovely cherry-hued color, and bottles the resulting wine with carbon dioxide to create a slight-yet-pleasant fizziness.
Bright and juicy, loaded with red berry flavors and just 5% ABV, this is one to pour at brunch, sip al fresco or offer your guests to welcome them to your gathering. But take fair warning: It’s hard to stop at just one glass!
Temperatures in Valencia, Spain have been known to stretch well beyond 90℉ come summertime. So as you may imagine, the locals are in need of some serious refreshment. Which is exactly why winemaker Fernando Tarin decided to craft this pretty pink beverage. Made from Muscat of Alexandria grapes (known locally as Moscatel), Hacienda de Lluna Moscatel Rosado is a slightly sparkling, semi-sweet rosé with low alcohol and a whole lot of vibrant fruit flavor.
Grown widely throughout Spain—and especially in areas near the Mediterranean—Moscatel is well known for its exotic aromatics and ultra-grapey flavor, and the intensely sweet wines it can produce.
To make this balanced thirst-quenching version, Fernando chills its tanks part way through production. This halts fermentation (the process that changes grape juice to wine), and gives him more control of the resulting sweetness and alcohol levels. He then blends in a bit of red Grenache for a lovely cherry-hued color, and bottles the resulting wine with carbon dioxide to create a slight-yet-pleasant fizziness.
Bright and juicy, loaded with red berry flavors and just 5% ABV, this is one to pour at brunch, sip al fresco or offer your guests to welcome them to your gathering. But take fair warning: It’s hard to stop at just one glass!
Sarah Everden
Spanish wine expert
