Type: Sweet, Dessert
Country of Origin: USA, America
Region: California
Grapes: Orange Muscat 100%
Vintage: 2019
Style: Fortified Wine
Sweetness: Sweet
Other: Vegan, Vegetarian

Andrew Quady happened to come across a planting of orange muscat grapes in Reedley, California in 1980. He was intrigued by the spicy, fruit flavours of the grape and after experimentation developed Essensia, so named because the wine demonstrates the essence of the grape.

The grapes' flavour concentrates naturally on the vine. After harvesting they are crushed, chilled, then left to macerate, during which time natural fermentation begins. Fermentation is blocked by the addition of wine spirit then the wine is aged for 3 months in neutral oak barrels before bottling.

Pairs well with desserts, including chocolate, and fresh goats cheese. Also a delightful additive to champagne and other sparkling wines or sparkling water.

Quady Winery was established in the San Joaquin Valley in California in 1975 by Andrew and Laurel Quady. Their first product was a Zinfandel based port style wine, and they have continued to focus on fortified and dessert wines ever since. They produce award wining wines using Orange Muscat and Black Muscat grape varieties, port style wine (branded "Starboard" as Port is geographically protected,) and Vermouth. In 2005 they established a winery in Southern Oregon, Quady North which is run by son Herb, to produce wines with traditional Rhone varietals.