Quady – ‘Essensia’ Orange Muscat (37.5cl) – 2022

ABOUT THE PRODUCER:
Andrew Quady’s change of career from making fireworks to making wine produced an explosion of its own kind when he created Essensia from the Orange Muscat grape. It was an instant success and until 1985 he could not make enough to satisfy demand. Now Quady is the foremost American winery specialising entirely in dessert wines and continues to win medals worldwide. In 1975 Quady’s first port-like wine was made from Amador County Zinfandel. Now it is made from traditional Portuguese varietals such as Tinta Roriz and Tinta Cao.

THE VINEYARD:
In 1980 Andrew Quady discovered a parcel of underused Orange Muscat grapes in Reedley, California, which led him to make a wine which celebrated the intense aromas and spicy fruit flavours of the grapes. In Italy, the variety is known as Moscato Fior d’Arancio: Orange Blossom Muscat. In Reedley, California, it is grown in well drained, alluvial soils, in climatic conditions ideally suited to this variety. The grapes are harvested at optimal maturity and once they have reached 22 Brix. Quady Winery is Certified Sustainable with California Certified Sustainable Winegrowing (CCSW), and the Orange Muscat grapes are Certified Sustainable with CCSW.

THE WINEMAKING PROCESS:
The Orange Muscat grapes were crushed, chilled and allowed to macerate. Fermentation took place in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks with selected yeasts, before being arrested with neutral grape brandy. This arrested fermentation preserved the delicate aromas of the fresh, ripe grapes and lightly fortified the wine to around 15% alcohol. It was aged for three months in used, predominantly French oak barrels.

OUR TASTING NOTES:
Vibrantly coloured, Essencia delivers luscious sweet oranges and apricots on the palate with bittersweet orange marmalade notes which balance well with the fresh citrussy finish.

GRAPE VARIETY:
Orange Muscat 100%.