Fortified Muscats - WSET L3 in Wines Flashcards
What is Fortified Muscat?
A fortified wine made from various Muscat grape varieties, known for their perfumed aromas of orange blossom, rose, and grape.
Where are Fortified Muscats produced?
In many major wine-producing countries, including notable examples like Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise in France and Rutherglen Muscat in Australia.
What are the two main styles of Fortified Muscat?
Youthful and unaged, or fully developed and aged.
What are the general characteristics of Muscat grapes?
Low to medium acidity with perfumed aromas of orange blossom, rose, and grape.
What climate conditions are ideal for Muscat grapes?
Warm to hot climates with some cooling influences to preserve acidity and aromas.
What is the typical color of youthful, unaged Muscats?
Medium gold.
What is the aim of winemaking for youthful Muscats?
To preserve the pure varietal character of the grape.
How is skin contact used in youthful Muscats?
Some skin contact is applied to enhance aromatic intensity and add richness.
How is fermentation managed for youthful Muscats?
Fermentation is cool and stopped by fortification with 96% ABV grape spirit.
How are youthful Muscats aged to preserve primary fruit aromas?
Stored in inert vessels, protected from oxygen.
What is the typical color of fully developed Muscats?
Amber to brown.
What are the flavor characteristics of aged Muscats?
Sweet or luscious, with pronounced oxidative aromas.
What is the most celebrated region for luscious aged Muscats?
Rutherglen in Australia.
How is raisining used in aged Muscats?
Grapes may undergo some raisining to add complexity, but excessive raisining can reduce the expressive Muscat character.
How does fermentation differ for luscious aged Muscats?
Fermentation occurs on the skins, and fortification may take place at 2% ABV for luscious styles.
How long can oxidative aging last for Muscats?
Decades.
How do youthful Muscats differ from aged Muscats in flavor?
Youthful Muscats are floral and aromatic, while aged Muscats have oxidative, nutty, and caramelized notes.
How does the aging process affect the color of Muscats?
Wines transition from amber to deep brown during oxidative aging.
What is Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise?
A youthful fortified Muscat from the Southern Rhône, France.
What is unique about Rutherglen Muscats?
Lusciously sweet, aged in warm conditions with pronounced oxidative aromas.
How are youthful Muscats typically served?
Slightly chilled to highlight their fresh, floral aromas.
What foods pair well with aged Muscats?
Desserts like caramel tarts, fruitcakes, or blue cheese.
Why is skin contact more common in aged Muscats?
To extract richness and aromatic intensity, enhancing complexity.
How do warm aging conditions influence Muscats?
Enhance oxidative aromas and deepen the wine’s complexity.
Why is raisining not commonly used for youthful Muscats?
Raisining masks the pure varietal characteristics with dried fruit notes.
