45 - Fortified Muscats Flashcards
There are many different grape varieties that are called Muscat, but they all share what similar characteristics:
Low to medium acidity, and display perfumed aromas of orange blossom, rose and grape.
What are the two broad styles of Muscat wines?
Youthful and un-aged or fully developed after an extended period of aging.
What is the aim of winemaking when it comes to un-aged Muscats?
To maintain pure varietal character.
Where does Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise come from?
The Southern Rhone region of France.
What is pre-fermentation skin-contact used for in Muscat wines?
To increase aromatic intensity and add some richness to the palate.
What is used to halt fermentation of the Muscat wines?
A grape spirit with 96% abv (alcohol by volume)
To preserve primary fruit character, how may a Muscat wine be stored before bottling?
In inert vessels to protect from any contact with oxygen.
What color range could you expect from an aged Muscat wine?
A range from amber to brown.
Where is the region that Rutherglen Muscats come from?
Australia
What could a producer do to make an even more luscious bottle of wine?
The grower could let the grapes raisin on the vine before picking occurs - a little dangerous as the grapes could get damaged or eaten very easily the longer they remain on the vines.
What would be a benefit of letting the grapes raisin on the vine?
Builds complexity in the wine.
Muscat wines, such as the Rutherglans, are aged in large or small oak barrels, and are they new or used?
Aged in larger barrels that are typically used so as not to impart any oak aromas that would possibly clash with the natural grape flavors.
