JMF Muscat dating from 1924 awarded a prize

Moscatel de Setúbal Superior 1924, produced by the historic José Maria da Fonseca winery, was voted Best Fortified Wine of the Year by Revista de Vinhos. The honour was awarded at the 21st edition of the ‘Essência do Vinho – Porto’ event, which took place at the Palácio da Bolsa, bringing together experts and connoisseurs of the sector.

With oenology by Domingos Soares Franco, this special commemorative edition of the 1924 Moscatel de Setúbal stood out in a blind tasting conducted by the ‘TOP 10 Portuguese Wines’ jury, made up of half a hundred tasters from 14 nationalities, including journalists, critics, sommeliers and importers. A total of 65 samples were assessed in the red, white, rosé and fortified categories, previously selected by Revista de Vinhos.

This centenary vintage was chosen by the sixth and seventh generation of the Soares Franco family to mark the 190th anniversary of José Maria da Fonseca, the oldest producer of this type of fortified wine. For António Maria Soares Franco, Co-CEO of the company, this recognition reinforces the brand’s commitment to excellence and longevity. ‘The 1924 Moscatel de Setúbal Superior is a unique vintage that reflects the depth and values we stand for. This award reinforces our path and commitment to the future,’ he said.

José Maria da Fonseca has a unique heritage of Setúbal Muscatels, and the Adega dos Teares Velhos is a veritable treasure trove of historic vintages, preserved with the aim of keeping the region’s cultural and oenological heritage alive. Founded in 1834, the producer celebrated its 190th anniversary in 2024, marking the date with a renewal of its corporate image and logo.

A leader in the production and commercialisation of table and fortified wines in Portugal, José Maria da Fonseca exports to more than 70 countries. The company also stands out for its environmental commitment, pioneering ISO 14001 environmental certification in the Portuguese wine sector. In 2021, it installed a solar photovoltaic system for self-consumption and became the first national wine producer to be certified by the FAIR’N GREEN benchmark, which certifies good sustainable practices.

With a portfolio that exceeds sixty brands and covers the country’s main wine-growing regions, such as the Setúbal Peninsula, Alentejo, Douro, Dão and Vinhos Verdes, José Maria da Fonseca continues to innovate, preserving its heritage and surprising the market with high-quality wines. Remaining a 100% family-run company, currently managed by the seventh generation, the producer is reinforcing its status as one of the most emblematic names in the Portuguese wine sector.