August in Malaga is the ultimate time of the year for all of those who are fun loving and want to enjoy some quality time. The Malaga Feria is an annual fair where people have the time of their lives with music, dancing and lots of fun every day from dawn to dusk. Every year in August from 13th to 20th, Malaga Feria is organized and people from all over Spain come to enjoy an eight days long street party.
This is a celebration to remember the reconquest of the city in 1478 by Isabella and Ferdinand. During these days, the Malaga streets become the venue for a huge impromptu party. There is music everywhere, people wearing traditional clothes and dancing like crazy. The whole atmosphere is amazing and very enjoyable for people of all ages.
Malaga Feria is incomplete without Cartojal which is the drink of revellers of Malaga Feria. Pink and White bottles of Cartojal can be seen all over the streets everywhere during the Malaga Feria being passed from hand to hand. In the hot and long summer days, Cartojal provides a refreshing feel. This chilled white wine is poured into traditional fuschia pink cups and served to the attendees of the fair. Let’s see how this favourite wine is made and finds its way to the Malaga Feria.
The Journey of Cartojal – From Vineyard to Malaga Feria
Cartojal comes from the most famous Spanish vineyards of the Malaga Virgen Bodegas which are situated in Vista Hermosa estate. The vineyards are extremely beautiful and green juicy grapevines can be seen all over. These vineyards are birthplace of one of the most famous wines of Spain including Malaga Virgen, Vermouth, Pernales and Moscatel wines, and some great quality brandy as well.
History
Cartojal is a sweet white wine whose production began on the request of a foreign company about 25 years ago. Initially it was produced and exported under a different name but soon it was noticed that huge quantities of wines are consumed during the Feria and there is a need for some locally produced wine of great quality to be served to people at the Feria. That is when it hit the streets and people have been in love with it ever since.
Making
Cartojal is very different from the other wines which are produced. It is made from a grape with is native to Malaga and grown in the Axarquia region. It is named Moscatel de Alejandria grape. Another grape by the name of Moscatel Morisco is also used in making of Cartojal. This one is grown in vineyard of Fuente de Piedra in Malaga. These grapes are harvested in the middle of the night to avoid the intense heat.
Taste and Color
Cartojal is known to have a very unique taste and aroma. It has been described by wine experts to have a light yellow color with shades of green. People love it because of its distinct floral aroma with hints of citrus and honey. It is best served chilled. Some experienced wine tasters say there is a very gentle aroma of smoke in it as well.
Serving
At the Malaga Feria, Cartojal is served on the streets where temperature is around 35 degrees so the best way to serve wine is to serve it chilled. Cartojal is served chilled at 6 to 8 degrees because it is known to taste the best at this temperature. The Cartojal bottle is made of plastic so that the streets remain free of broken glasses because these bottles are everywhere.
So, the best way to enjoy the Malaga Feria party is to enjoy a chilled bottle of Cartojal because Cartojal is King at Malaga Feria.
I hope you have used this post to know a little more Malaga, share this article to help other people enjoy a better stay! 🙂
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