The Story Behind
L-ImŻabbab
L-Imżabbab, a name as unapologetic as the wine itself, playfully nods to the Maltese euphemism for “no effing way.” While "żbiba" translates politely to raisin, the winemaker chose this bold name to reflect the unconventional methods and rebellious spirit behind this luscious sweet wine.
Grapes are left to raisin on the vine, concentrating their sugars and flavors before being meticulously destemmed by hand—a labor of love that ensures only the finest fruit makes it into the wine. Whether crafted from Muscat or Merlot, L-Imżabbab challenges expectations, embracing the extraordinary with every bottle. A wine that proudly says, “Yes, effing way.”
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L-Imżabbab
Luscious indulgence
a dessert wine of rich refinement.
L-Imżabbab is a luxurious sweet wine crafted with precision and care. Grapes are left to raisin on the vine, concentrating sugars and complexity. Hand-destemmed and fermented with skins at 12 to 16°C, this technique extracts depth, richness, and a velvety texture.
Aged in glass demijohns with minimal intervention, the wine retains its natural character. Residual sugar remains as the yeasts naturally die off at peak alcohol, creating its luscious sweetness.
With vibrant acidity, a full-bodied profile, and an exceptionally long finish, L-Imzabbab is a rare, artisanal dessert wine that showcases meticulous craftsmanship and indulgence in every sip.
Vintage
Moscato 2021
BLEND
100% Moscato.
Planted in 2011 on Calcareous Soil
METHOD AND PRODUCTION
Bottles Produced: 75 (37.5cl)
The Moscato grapes were left on the vine under nets to protect them from birds, and only the raisined berries were hand-picked. After destemming by hand and lightly foot-pressing to release the juices, the wine underwent fermentation on skins at 12–14°C for 12 days. A gentle 1-bar pressure pressing was used to avoid over-extraction. The wine was then transferred to glass demijohns to complete fermentation, reaching 15.5% alcohol, with the remaining sugars left as residual sugar.
Alcohol: 15% ABV
APPEARANCE, NOSE & PALATE
Appearance: Deep intensity amber color, showing signs of development and richness.
Nose: Pronounced intensity with developing aromas. Primary notes include dried fruits such as sultanas, prunes, and jammy tangerines, alongside dried mango, ripe banana, and orange peel. Tertiary characteristics of dried apricots, candied peel, marmalade, figs, honey, toast, ginger spice, and walnuts add layers of complexity.
Palate: Luscious and full-bodied with medium acidity and no tannins. High alcohol and pronounced intensity create a multi-dimensional profile, with flavors mirroring the nose. The finish is long and lingering, dominated by marmalade and honey, showcasing exceptional depth and elegance.
Last tasted on: 30/12/2024
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Moscato 2021 is the epitome of Maltese sunshine, showcasing perfectly sun-ripened grapes turned into an exquisite, age-worthy wine. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this wine exemplifies balance, sweetness, and complexity.
Serving Temperature: 8°C
Optimal Drinking Period: Best enjoyed between 2023 and 2045,
FOOD PAIRING
Moscato 2021 is a perfect match for elegant desserts. Pair it with orange peel soufflé, where its marmalade and citrus notes complement the dish’s brightness. It also pairs beautifully with white chocolate fondant or crème anglaise, enhancing the creamy richness and creating a harmonious balance of flavors. A wine designed for indulgence and sophistication.
Vintage
Merlot 2020
BLEND
100% Merlot.
Planted in 2004 on Calcareous Soil.
METHOD AND PRODUCTION
Bottles Produced: 200 (37.5cl)
The Merlot grapes were left on the vine under nets to protect them from birds, and only the raisined berries were hand-picked. After destemming by hand and lightly foot-pressing to release the juices, the wine underwent fermentation on skins at 24°C for 12 days. A gentle 1-bar pressure pressing was used to avoid over-extraction. The wine was then transferred to glass demijohns to complete fermentation, reaching 15.5% alcohol, with the remaining sugars left as residual sugar.
Alcohol: 15% ABV
APPEARANCE, NOSE & PALATE
Appearance: Deep intensity garnet color, showing signs of development and concentration.
Nose: Pronounced intensity with developing aromas. Primary notes include dried fruits such as sultanas, prunes, and jammy nuances, alongside carob, garrigue, and stony minerality. Tertiary aromas of dried figs, prunes, dried blackberries, sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, leather, mushroom, forest floor, and almonds add complexity and depth.
Palate: Luscious and medium-plus bodied with medium acidity and medium-plus tannins. High alcohol and pronounced intensity create a structured and multi-dimensional profile, with flavors consistent with the nose. The finish is long and lingering, dominated by dried fruit and earthy nuances.
Last tasted on: 30/12/2024
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Merlot 2020 is a testament to the power of the Maltese sun, crafting a wine of exceptional richness and depth. The meticulous process of hand-picking and gentle pressing ensures balance and elegance, making this wine an age-worthy treasure with a potential of over 25 years.
Serving Temperature: 18°C
Optimal Drinking Period: Best enjoyed between 2023 and 2045,
FOOD PAIRING
Merlot 2020 pairs beautifully with a variety of desserts and savory dishes with a touch of sweetness. Enjoy it with dark chocolate tart or black forest gâteau, where its dried fruit and chocolatey notes create a seamless harmony. For a unique pairing, try it with fig and almond cake or spiced poached pears, which complement its rich, earthy characterorange peel soufflé, where its dried fruit and carob notes enhance the dessert’s citrus brightness. It also complements white chocolate fondant and crème anglaise, creating a luxurious harmony between the wine’s richness and the dessert’s creamy texture. A versatile wine that elevates both savory and sweet pairings.
Vintage
Moscato 2018
BLEND
100% Moscato.
Planted in 2011 on Calcareous Soil
METHOD AND PRODUCTION
Bottles Produced: 169 (75cl)
The Moscato grapes were left on the vine under nets to protect them from birds, and only the raisined berries were hand-picked. After destemming by hand and lightly foot-pressing to release the juices, the wine underwent fermentation on skins at 12–14°C for 12 days. A gentle 1-bar pressure pressing was used to avoid over-extraction. The wine was then transferred to glass demijohns to complete fermentation, reaching 15.5% alcohol, with the remaining sugars left as residual sugar.
Alcohol: 12% ABV
APPEARANCE, NOSE & PALATE
Appearance: Deep intensity amber color, showing signs of development and richness.
Nose: Pronounced intensity with developing aromas. Primary notes include dried fruits such as sultanas, prunes, and jammy tangerines, alongside dried mango, ripe banana, and orange peel. Tertiary characteristics of dried apricots, candied peel, marmalade, figs, honey, toast, ginger spice, and walnuts add layers of complexity.
Palate: Luscious and full-bodied with medium acidity and no tannins. High alcohol and pronounced intensity create a multi-dimensional profile, with flavors mirroring the nose. The finish is long and lingering, dominated by marmalade and honey, showcasing exceptional depth and elegance.
Last tasted on: 30/12/2024
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Moscato 2018 is the epitome of Maltese sunshine, showcasing perfectly sun-ripened grapes turned into an exquisite, age-worthy wine. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this wine exemplifies balance, sweetness, and complexity,
Serving Temperature: 8°C
Optimal Drinking Period: Best enjoyed between 2020 and 2032.
FOOD PAIRING
Moscato 2018 is a perfect match for elegant desserts. Pair it with orange peel soufflé, where its marmalade and citrus notes complement the dish’s brightness. It also pairs beautifully with white chocolate fondant or crème anglaise, enhancing the creamy richness and creating a harmonious balance of flavors. A wine designed for indulgence and sophistication.
Vintage
Merlot 2015
BLEND
100% Merlot.
Planted in 2004 on Calcareous Soil.
METHOD AND PRODUCTION
Bottles Produced: 72 (75cl)
The Merlot grapes were left on the vine under nets to protect them from birds, and only the raisined berries were hand-picked. After destemming by hand and lightly foot-pressing to release the juices, the wine underwent fermentation on skins at 25°C for 12 days. A gentle 1-bar pressure pressing was used to avoid over-extraction. The wine was then transferred to glass demijohns to complete fermentation, reaching 15.5% alcohol, with the remaining sugars left as residual sugar.
Alcohol: 15.5% ABV
APPEARANCE, NOSE & PALATE
Appearance: Deep intensity garnet color, showing signs of development and concentration.
Nose: Pronounced intensity with developing aromas. Primary notes include dried fruits such as sultanas, prunes, and jammy nuances, alongside carob, garrigue, and stony minerality. Tertiary aromas of dried figs, prunes, dried blackberries, sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, leather, mushroom, forest floor, and almonds add complexity and depth.
Palate: Luscious and medium-plus bodied with medium acidity and medium-plus tannins. High alcohol and pronounced intensity create a structured and multi-dimensional profile, with flavors consistent with the nose. The finish is long and lingering, dominated by dried fruit and earthy nuances.
Last tasted on: 14/02/2025
WINEMAKER’S NOTES
Merlot 2015 stands as a landmark in Maltese winemaking—a profound expression of terroir shaped by the relentless embrace of the island’s sun. This inaugural vintage exemplifies precision and artistry, with hand-harvested grapes undergoing a meticulous selection process before gentle pressing, preserving both purity and finesse. The result is a wine of remarkable depth, structure, and elegance, destined to evolve gracefully for over 25 years, cementing its place as a true collector’s gem.
Serving Temperature: 18°C
Optimal Drinking Period: Best enjoyed between 2017 and 2040,
FOOD PAIRING
Merlot 2015 pairs beautifully with a variety of desserts and savory dishes with a touch of sweetness. Enjoy it with dark chocolate tart or black forest gâteau, where its dried fruit and chocolatey notes create a seamless harmony. For a unique pairing, try it with fig and almond cake or spiced poached pears, which complement its rich, earthy characterorange peel soufflé, where its dried fruit and carob notes enhance the dessert’s citrus brightness. It also complements white chocolate fondant and crème anglaise, creating a luxurious harmony between the wine’s richness and the dessert’s creamy texture. A versatile wine that elevates both savory and sweet pairings.
