You are taking part at the Big Fortified Tasting again with a dedicated area for your producers. Can you explain what you have planned for this year?
For the third year, the Setúbal Peninsula is participating as a region, gathering several producers, all showing Moscatel. This year, we are exhibiting with 11 different wineries - a very diverse showcase of what our Protected Denomination of Origin “Setúbal” produces.
This P.D.O. includes two fortified wines: P.D.O. Moscatel de Setúbal and P.D.O. Moscatel Roxo de Setúbal.
Sarah Ahmed will also be hosting a dedicated masterclass, showing seven different 10-year-old Moscatels from our region.
What will buyers be able to taste and what should they be looking out for?
The buyers will be able to taste a wide and diverse range of Setúbal moscatels, going from Vintage, Reserva and Superior until 5-Year-Old, 10-Year-Old and 20-Year-Old. We will have 11 different wineries with 11 different styles and stories with one goal in mind, which is to promote and highlight Moscatel de Setúbal as a benchmark fortified wine, emphasizing its tradition, quality, and versatility.
You can taste a wide range of Moscatel de Setúbal wines at Big Fortifed Tasting on April 3
What makes Moscatel de Setúbal stand out among other fortified wines, and why has it been showcased at the Big Fortified Tasting for three consecutive years?
Setúbal Peninsula is lucky enough to be in a unique place when it comes to fortified wine: Moscatel de Setúbal is something to be proud of. It is a rare product, especially the purple kind, which only exists in our region.
It was an easy decision for us to renew our participation with the Big Fortified Tasting: we had a very good experience in the last two years and we expect another great one, showcasing one of the most still-to-be-discovered fortified wine.
What new trends or innovations are emerging in the production of Moscatel de Setúbal that guests should be aware of at this year's event?
Setúbal PDO is a century-old designation (118 years) and new trends or innovations are not an every year event. There are some innovations, like wines where the fermentation is halted by adding Armagnac or Cognac, or wines that staged in whisky barrels, among others.
You are also having a masterclass led by Sarah Ahmed. Can you explain why people should attend?
In 2023, Sarah Ahmed, aka The Wine Detective - Portuguese wine expert, came for an entire week to our region, touring and experiencing the many realities of this extended region (from South of Lisbon to down South, in the Alentejo coast).
At 12.45pm during the BFT event, Sarah will present seven 10-year-old Moscatels in a Masterclass entitled: ‘Moscatel de Setubal - terroir vs house style - the winemaker's perspective’.
Sarah Ahmed will take visitors to the Big Fortified Tasting through a personal selection of Moscatel de Setúbal wines. Picture Wines of Portugal
She will present some exceptional wines, alongside a special guest, exploring the profile and the winemaker perspective. A very comprehensive exploration of the Moscatel de Setúbal current scene.
How are your overall sales of Moscatel de Setúbal both domestically and internationally?
Since 2021, the overall sales of Moscatel de Setúbal are decreasing internationally and increasing domestically. Moscatel de Setúbal represents less than 5% within the total worldwide exports of the region, and domestically, in general, the Setúbal Peninsula is second region in volume, and fourth in value.
What percentage of these wines are being exported and what are your main markets for this specific category?
In 2024, Moscatel de Setúbal represented around 4% of the total Setúbal Peninsula Wines exported. Our three main markets in 2024 were Ukraine, Sweden and Brazil, with the United Kingdom occupying the eighth position.
The category is victim of its success in Portugal, so exports are reduced. But we still believe this is a category that needs to be internationally promoted, to show its uniqueness.
What are your target areas around the world for growth of this category and how do you plan to continue building its reputation and visibility in the global wine scene?
Our target areas are Europe, Brazil and North America, which make up our top 10 destination markets for exports of this category. We plan to keep on growing and investing in these markets through the presence of our producers in regional wine fairs, like the BFT, Wine Paris or Prowein; through promotional and educational contents in social media, and bringing and presenting wine professionals to our region.
How important is the UK market and how are its sales doing?
The UK is our second market, when it comes to all the wines from the region, but in terms of Moscatel de Setúbal, there is a long way to go and to grow. UK is the eighth destination for our Moscatel de Setúbal, so the market is moving quite low quantities. This is why we believe this is extremely important to showcase this category at the BFT event.
The region began its institutional promotion in the UK only four years ago, despite many producers already having some sort of distribution in the market.
What challenges do you foresee in promoting Moscatel de Setúbal in the UK?
Promoting Moscatel de Setúbal in the UK presents several challenges, including:
* Low awareness: Fortified wines like Port and Sherry dominate consumer preference, meaning Moscatel de Setúbal has lower brand recognition.
* Market positioning: Differentiating Moscatel de Setúbal from other fortified wines and communicating its unique characteristics effectively.
* Consumption trends: UK consumers are shifting towards lower-alcohol and dry wines, which may limit the appeal of fortified wines.
* Education: Overcoming the perception that fortified wines are outdated or only suitable for specific occasions.
* Trade Barriers: Post-Brexit trade regulations and potential import costs may impact pricing and accessibility.
Moscatel de Setúbal producers at The Big Fortified Tasting: A Celebration of a Unique Wine
The Big Fortified Tasting takes place on April 3
You're invited to experience the finest Moscatel de Setúbal wines at the Big Fortified Tasting!– the UK’s largest and most diverse annual trade fair dedicated to fortified wines - on April 3.
At a Moscatel de Setúbal dedicated area, you will have the unique opportunity to experience a spectacular collection of more than 50 Moscatel wines. Among the star attractions of the event will be seven prestigious producers, who will come from Portugal, to meet you and to bring their own distinctive touch to this celebrated fortified wine. Visitors will have the chance to taste everything from the classic versions, which highlight the traditional winemaking methods, to innovative releases that have pushed the boundaries of what Moscatel can offer. Whether you are a connoisseur or new to fortified wines, the event will provide an excellent opportunity to explore the evolving landscape of this iconic wine style.
Moscatel de Setúbal producers exhibiting at The Big Fortified Tasting this year:
José Maria da Fonseca (seeking distribution)
Venâncio da Costa Lima (Represented by www.wine.gauntleys.com)
Quinta do Piloto (Represented by http://www.raymondreynolds.co.uk/)
António Saramago (Seeking distribution)
Sociedade Vinícola de Palmela; (seeking distribution)
Bacalhôa (Represented by www.ehrmannswines.co.uk)
Adega de Palmela (Seeking distribution)
A Península de Setúbal generic table will show wines from the following producers: Casa Ermelinda Freitas, Adega Camolas, Herdade de Gâmbia and Adega de Pegões.
* The Big Fortified Tasting takes place on April 3 at Church House Conference Centre, London SW1P 3AZ betwen 10am-4pm.
* For more details and to register click here.
* To know more about Moscatel de Setúbal, visit: https://vinhosdapeninsuladesetubal.org/en/
