Quady Elysium Black Muscat 2022
An intensely aromatic fortified dessert wine from California, made from the rare Black Muscat grape.
Deep violet-crimson in colour, it bursts with rose petals, boysenberry, dark cherry and strawberry, combining luscious sweetness with vibrant fruit acidity that keeps the finish remarkably fresh and balanced.
Quady specialises in distinctive sweet wines, and Elysium has been one of the winery's signature wines since the early 1980s.
The 2022 vintage received 92 points from Wine Enthusiast and has collected multiple gold and double-gold awards.
USA
California
Black Muscat (Muscat Hamburg)
375ml
15%
2022Quady Winery was founded in California by Andrew and Laurel Quady and has specialised in aromatic and fortified sweet wines for decades.
Elysium was created after Andrew Quady was offered an unexpected parcel of Black Muscat (Muscat Hamburg) grapes in 1983. The variety's dark skins produce the wine's distinctive crimson colour, while its naturally aromatic character provides the intense floral and berry profile for which Elysium is known.
For the 2022, the grapes are crushed and allowed to macerate on their skins. Fermentation begins before the addition of wine spirit arrests fermentation, retaining natural sweetness and the grape's intense aromatics. The wine then receives a short period of maturation in seasoned barrels.
A rich, sweet and intensely aromatic fortified dessert wine, combining luscious dark fruit with beautiful floral character.
Expect boysenberry, dark cherry and strawberry, accompanied by distinctive rose-petal aromas and subtle hints of spice.
The palate is full and concentrated, but vibrant fruit acidity balances the sweetness and gives the wine a surprisingly clean, fresh finish.
In simple terms: luscious, floral and intensely fruity, with dark berries, rose petals and beautifully balanced sweetness.
- Nose: Highly aromatic, with rose petals, boysenberry and dark cherry, accompanied by strawberry and other ripe red and black fruits.
- Palate: Rich, sweet and concentrated, with luscious berry fruit and floral notes. Despite its sweetness, lively fruit acidity gives the wine freshness and prevents it from becoming heavy.
- Finish: Long, fruity and beautifully balanced, with lingering dark cherry, berries and fragrant rose alongside a clean, refreshing acidity.
- Dark Chocolate – one of the classic pairings for Elysium.
- Cheesecake – its acidity balances the richness beautifully.
- Red Fruit Desserts – excellent with berry tarts, pies and fruit-based puddings.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – Quady specifically recommends pouring Elysium directly over vanilla ice cream.
- Gorgonzola – sweetness provides an excellent contrast to strong blue cheese.
- Goat's Cheese – another producer-recommended pairing.
- Chocolate Desserts – particularly rich dark-chocolate dishes.
- Serve well chilled, either by itself as a dessert wine or alongside cheese and desserts.
- Elysium is also unusually versatile for a dessert wine. It can be served over ice, mixed with tonic and lemon, or added to sparkling wine as a Black Muscat interpretation of a Kir Royale.
- Because it is fortified to 15% ABV, it can also be enjoyed in smaller dessert-wine servings.
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