Moscatel de Setúbal is the flagship wine from Setúbal and one of the treasures of Portuguese wines.
Humberto Cardoso, the founder of Quinta do Piloto, had an ancient knowledge making this type of fortified
wines, revealed in each bottle. This knowledge has passed generation to generation.
The blend between the vineyards planted in the mountain in clay soils to give freshness with the vineyards
planted in the plain with sandy soils to give sweetness are one of those knowledge.

Quinta do Piloto is state located in Palmela region from Cardoso family. Cardoso family is one of the ancient
Palmela families with great traditions in making the best and traditionalist Palmela wines.
Humberto Cardoso was the creator of Quinta do Piloto, now Filipe Cardoso is the 4th generation of the family
that keep the company running.

Setúbal is a historic wine region located just south of Lisbon on Portugal’s Atlantic coast. Sheltered by the Serra da Arrábida mountains, it enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The proximity of the Atlantic provides cooling breezes, which help to moderate temperatures and retain freshness in the grapes. However, high humidity in coastal areas can increase the risk of fungal diseases, and water stress is an occasional challenge in drier inland sites.

The region’s soils vary from sandy alluvial deposits on the coastal plains to limestone and clay in the more hilly inland areas. These diverse soil types allow for a range of grape varieties and wine styles.

Setúbal is best known for its fortified Muscatel de Setúbal wines, made predominantly from the aromatic Muscat of Alexandria (locally Moscatel de Setúbal). These luscious, amber-coloured wines show richly perfumed aromas of orange blossom, apricot, honey, caramel and dried figs, supported by balancing acidity. Ageing in oak and occasionally under oxidation adds further notes of spice, toffee and nuts.

In addition to sweet wines, the region also produces dry reds and whites. Castelão and Aragonez are common red varieties, giving fruit-forward, gently structured reds with plum, cherry and herbal notes. Dry whites can be fresh and citrus-led, often with a subtle saline edge reflecting the maritime influence.

Muscat of Alexandria is one of the oldest known grape varieties, believed to have originated in North Africa, likely in Egypt, and named after the ancient port city of Alexandria. Part of the wider Muscat family, it is prized for its aromatic, floral character and is thought to be a natural cross between Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains and a table grape.

Viticulturally, it is a vigorous, high-yielding vine with large, loosely packed golden-green berries and thick skins. It thrives in warm to hot climates, requiring long, sunny growing seasons to achieve full ripeness. The variety is tolerant of drought but can be susceptible to fungal diseases in humid conditions.

Today, Muscat of Alexandria is widely planted around the Mediterranean (Spain, Italy, Greece), in North Africa, South Africa, Australia, and parts of South America. In Spain, it is called Moscatel de Alejandría; in Italy, Zibibbo.

It is used for a range of styles—from fresh table grapes and raisins to lusciously sweet fortified and dessert wines. Typical flavours include orange blossom, rose, honey, apricot, and ripe grape, often with a musky perfume. In fortified or late-harvest styles, it can develop rich marmalade and dried fruit notes, making it a versatile grape with enduring global appeal.