45. Fortified Muscats

Question 1

Describe all Muscat grape varieties. Describe the best climate for growing these grapes.

Answer 1

• low to medium acid
• perfumed aromas: orange blossom, rose, grape
• thrive in warm and hot climates but best benefit from cooling influence to preserve acidity and aromas

Question 2

What are the two broad styles of Muscats?

Answer 2

1. youthful and unaged

2. full developed after long period of aging

Question 3

Describe youthful, unaged Muscats. What is the most notable region for this type of wine?

Answer 3

• medium gold
• floral
• aromatic
• pure varietal character
• sweet, rarely luscious

Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise (Southern Rhone)

Question 4

How are youthful, unaged Muscats made?

Answer 4

• grapes harvested when ripe and healthy
• grapes crushed
• some skin contact to add richness
• cool fermentation stoped by fortification with 96% abv grape spirit
• stored in inert vessels (protection from oxygen)

Question 5

Describe fully developed, aged Muscats. What is the most notable region for this type of wine?

Answer 5

• amber to brown color
• sweet or luscious

Rutherglen (Australia)

Question 6

How are fully developed, aged Muscats made?

Answer 6

• grapes harvested when ripe and healthy, sometime left to raisin
• fermentation on the skins
• fortification early, when the wine is only 2% abv
• oxidative aging that can last for decades
• old wood essential
• common for “lift” of young wine to be added at the end for aromatics