Mistelle is one of the great treasures of the Mediterranean winemaking tradition: sweet, aromatic and full of character. But did you know that there isn’t just one type of mistelle? Below, we explain exactly what it is and the main types available.
WHAT IS A MISTELLE?
The term ‘mistela’ (mistelle in Spanish), is recognised as a ‘traditional term’.
Generally speaking, the term ‘mistelle’ refers to any sweet wine made from grape must to which wine alcohol has been added, thereby preventing fermentation from taking place.
By adding alcohol, fermentation is prevented and the must retains its natural sugars, resulting in a sweet, intense and aromatic wine that preserves the purest essence of the grape.
TYPES OF MISTELLE
There are three main categories of mistelle:
Muscat or Muscat Mistelle
White Mistelle
Red Mistelle
Each one has its own characteristics that make it unique.
MUSCAT OR MUSCAT MISTELLE
Production:
Muscat grape must + wine alcohol
Raw materials:
Exclusively Muscat grapes, renowned for their high sugar content and their intense, distinctive aroma.
Organoleptic profile:
-Very intense and aromatic
-Evokes the typical nuances of the Muscat variety
-Citrus and floral notes of orange blossom
Alcohol content:
From 15% ABV upwards
Muscat is a very intense and aromatic mistelle, instantly recognisable for its floral and citrus profile, which makes it highly prized among sweet wines.
WHITE MISTELLE
Production:
White grape must + wine alcohol
Raw materials:
Various varieties of white grapes
Taste profile:
-Very sweet
-Aromatically more neutral than Muscat
-Subtle hints of citrus
Alcohol content:
From 15% ABV upwards
White Mistelle is perfect for those seeking a balanced sweet wine, with a delicate profile where the aroma does not dominate excessively.
RED MISTELLE
Production:
Red grape must + wine alcohol
Raw materials:
Red grapes of various varieties
Organoleptic profile:
-Fuller-bodied than white mistelas thanks to the method used to produce the red must
-Cherry red to dark ruby colour, with dense, slow-falling tears
-Intense nose: ripe red fruits, raisins, figs, honey, subtle spices or chocolate
Alcohol content:
From 15% ABV upwards
Red Mistelle stands out for its body, depth and sensory richness, making it ideal for those seeking a sweet wine with character and complexity.
THREE DIFFERENT TYPES, ONE METHOD
Although all mistelles share the same production process — adding alcohol to the must to prevent fermentation — the variety of grape used in their production means that each type of mistelle develops its own sensory profile:
White mistelle: more subtle and balanced
Muscat: intensely aromatic and floral
Red mistelle: deep, fruity and full-bodied
BODEGAS MAMERTO DE LA VARA: OVER EIGHT DECADES OF PRODUCING INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED MISTELLES
With over 85 years’ experience in the sweet wine sector, at Bodegas Mamerto de la Vara we have specialised in producing mistelles of the highest quality.
Our dedication has been recognised internationally: at the last International Bulk Wine Competition, we were the only Spanish winery to be awarded the Grand Gold Medal, the competition’s highest honour, which was awarded to our Amber Mistela.
We invite you to discover our full range of bottled mistelles here.