6.3 Wine Classifications Flashcards
___________________________ was founded in 1995 to promote sales of Rutherglen Muscat.
The Muscat of Rutherglen Network was founded in 1995 to promote sales of Rutherglen Muscat.
True or false?
The Muscat of Rutherglen Network introduced a system of classification based on taste, rather than age.
True - although age is a major factor that determines style.
The classfication system is made of four descriptions based on richness, complexity, and intensity. As the level of classification increases, the number of vintages in the blend and the span of age between the oldest and youngest component wines will generally be greater.
List and describe the four classifications of Rutherglen Muscat.
Although many producers of Rutherglen Muscat will produce each of the following styles, Rutherglen Muscat and Classic Rutherglen Muscat are produced in much greater volumes than Grand or Rare.
- Rutherglen Muscat – described as the foundation of the style. Average age 3-5 years. Residual sweetness 180-240 g/L.
- Classic Rutherglen Muscat – displays a greater level of concentration, complexity and tertiary flavours. Average age 6-10 years. Residual sweetness 200-280 g/L.
- Grand Rutherglen Muscat – displays even greater concentration and complexity from blending both young and very mature wines. Average age 11-19 years. Residual sweetness 270-400 g/L.
- Rare Rutherglen Muscat – these wines are bottled in tiny volumes and represent the pinnacle of Rutherglen Muscat. Minimum average age 20 years – but wines in the blend can often be much older. Residual sweetness 270-400 g/L.
True or false?
Producers of Rutherglen Muscat generally produce a range of both fortified and non-fortified wines.
True.
Although individual producers have their house styles, in general wines in the ‘Rutherglen Muscat’ classification are _____________ in colour, and have pronounced aromas of raisins, figs, dates, and sweet spices.
Although individual producers have their house styles, in general wines in the ‘Rutherglen Muscat’ classification are medium garnet in colour, and have pronounced aromas of raisins, figs, dates, and sweet spices.
They are sweet on the palate and full bodied with medium (+) acidity, medium alcohol for a fortified wine and a pronounced intensity of flavours. They are usually of very good quality and mid-priced.
True or false?
‘Classic’ Rutherglen Muscat generally has a light colour, less concentration and greater complexity. Their quality and price is often between those of Rutherglen Muscat and Grand and Rare.
False.
‘Classic’ generally has a deeper colour, more concentration and greater complexity. Their quality and price is often between those of Rutherglen Muscat and Grand and Rare.
True or false?
Wines in the ‘Grand’ and ‘Rare’ classifications are usually tawny or brown in colour, with more of a nutty, treacle, liquorice character.
True.
They are even sweeter and fuller bodied than younger Rutherglen Muscats but with higher acidity and still some degree of fruit to provide balance. They are typically of outstanding quality and can reach super-premium prices.
True or false?
Rutherglen Muscat improves dramatically from longterm aging in the bottle.
False.
Rutherglen Muscat is fully mature on release and does not improve further from ageing in bottle. It should be drunk within a year or two after bottling to taste at its freshest.
