Moscatel: The Grape that Perfumes Xaló's History

moscatel grape · moscatel wines · history of the moscatel grape in Xaló · sweet Alicante wine

In the heart of the Pop valley, where the land merges with the sun and the Mediterranean breathes just a few kilometers away, the Moscatel grape is much more than a variety: it is a symbol, a tradition, and a way of life that has shaped the landscape and culture of Xaló for centuries.

Origin and expansion of the Moscatel grape

Moscatel de Alejandría (Muscat of Alexandria), one of the oldest varieties in the world, originated in the Mediterranean basin. It is believed to have been cultivated by the Greeks and Phoenicians, and later by the Romans, who spread it along the Iberian coast. Its name refers to the Egyptian city of Alexandria, although its roots delve into a more complex history mixed with legends, trade, and conquests.

It is a large-berried grape with golden skin and an unmistakable aroma, featuring floral notes, honey, ripe fruits, and spices. Its aromatic richness and balance between sweetness and freshness have made it a protagonist in sweet, dry, and sparkling wines throughout the centuries.

The arrival of Moscatel in Xaló

The introduction of Moscatel in the Marina Alta region, and particularly in Xaló, dates back to the Middle Ages, although its cultivation significantly expanded between the 18th and 19th centuries. The sunny topography, stony soils, and dry climate of this area created an ideal terroir for its development, resulting in an intense, resilient grape full of Mediterranean expression.

Xaló and its neighboring towns became renowned for Moscatel cultivation, not only for wine production but also for the production of raisins, which were exported to half of Europe and America through maritime trade from nearby ports.

The renaissance of Moscatel

Although its cultivation declined in the 20th century, Moscatel is experiencing a new renaissance today. Small winegrowers and wineries in the area have committed to recovering its enological value, producing sweet, dry, and sparkling wines with their own identity. These wines respect tradition while expressing themselves with freshness, elegance, and authenticity.

At Bouquet Xaló, we celebrate this history through a carefully selected range of Moscatel wines, from the most classic to the most innovative: young wines, natural sweet wines, mistelas, ancestral wines, and dry whites made with minimal intervention. Each bottle contains the memory of the landscape, the expertise of generations, and the unmistakable perfume of this grape that speaks of light and earth.

Visit us in Xaló

We are in the center of the village, right in front of the Saturday antique market. Come and discover the aromas of Moscatel, its transformations, and the stories it tells us glass by glass. Because in the Vall de Pop, every vineyard holds a secret… and every wine, a journey.