Fortified Muscats

Question 1

What are the common characters across the varieties of Muscat?

Answer 1

Low to med acidity

perfumed aromas - orange blossom, rose, grape

Question 2

What are the two broad styles of Muscat?

Answer 2

Youthful & unaged

Fully developed with extended ageing

Question 3

Describe a youthful unaged muscat

Answer 3

medium gold

floral, aromatic

Question 4

Describe how grapes are handled to create youthful unaged Muscat

(5)

Answer 4

harvested ripe and healthy

pressed juice - skin contact to increase intensity

cool fermentation - can include skin contact

ferment stopped by fortification

stored in inert vessels

Question 5

Give an example of:

A youthful unaged Muscat

Fully Developed, aged Muscat

Answer 5

A youthful unaged Muscat:

Muscat de Beaums-de-Venise

Fully Developed, aged Muscat:

Rutherglen

Question 6

Describe a fully developed aged muscat

(3)

Answer 6

Amber to brown colour

sweet/luscious

Oxidative aromas

Question 7

Describe how grapes are handled to create developed aged Muscat (Rutherglen)

(7)

Answer 7

careful raisining on vine to ensure varietal characters maintained

fermentation on skins

fortification when base wine ~2% abv

large old wood - oxidative maturation

Can be aged for decades - warm conditions

Small lift by blending in youthful wine prior to bottling

Question 8

Describe how grapes are handled to create youthful unaged Muscat

(Muscat de beaumes de Venise)

(6)

Answer 8

ripe unraisened grapes

grapes crushed

skin contact to enhance flavours

cool fermentation in inert vessel

fermentation stopped by fortification

stored in inert vessels prior to bottling