Rutherglen Muscat Flashcards
When were vines first planted in Rutherglen, Victoria?
1850
Why did the population boom and investment in Rutherglen region increase?
Gold was discovered
What happened at the end of the 19th century to the wine industry in Rutherglen?
decimated by phylloxera
Currently, how many hectares are planted for Rutherglen Muscat?
70 hectares
Why do wineries in Rutherglen Muscat have “house styles?”
Many of the wineries are family run and for multi-generations
What are factors that go into determining a “house style?”
fruit selection, winemaking, maturation and blending choices
Exp: Pfeiffer Wines is known for what and All Saints and Morris are known for what?
Pfeiffer known for lighter, fresher styles and All Saints known for more intense and luscious styles
Where is Rutherglen?
inland and NE of Victoria
What is climate of Rutherglen?
Continental Climate, warm days and moderated by cool air flowing down from Victorian Alps
In Rutherglen why can sugars accumulate so well in the grapes which produces the syrupy styles?
Warm days in the growing season and long, dry autumns so large amounts of sugar can accumulate
What is another way the grapes achieve so much sugar concentration in Rutherglen besides climate?
Grapes left on the vine to get extra ripe and start to shrivel
When is harvest usually in Rutherglen?
between Mid-March and May
Is botrytris desirable in Rutherglen Muscat?
No, the marmalade flavor would interfere with the aromatic and floral muscat
What varietal is used for Rutherglen Muscat?
Muscat a Petits Grains Rouges (aka Rutherglen Brown Muscat)
Describe Rutherglen Brown Muscat?
red-skinned mutation of Muscat Blanc a Peitits Grains and similar to white version it has grapey and floral aromas
What training and trellising system is used in Rutherglen Muscat?
variety, often on double-cordons
What is a key concern for vine training in Rutherglen?
provide shading so grapes don’t get sunburnt
Rutherglen has many old vines plantings, describe them
smaller bunches, higher skin to juice ratio, produces deeper color and more concentrated wines, can be used as element of house style
Why can it be hard to extract the juice from muscat through immediate pressing?
the grapes are partly shriveled when picked
How do producers make it easier to extract juice from muscat? name 3 ways
1) briefly ferment them on their skins to break down the pulp and release sugars and flavors, 2) add enzymes to juice 3) various cap management techniques
How is Rutherglen Muscat made?
grapes ferment on skins briefly; once juice gains 1-2% abv its drained off skins, which are pressed and the combined juice fortified to reach 17.5% abv; (using spirits of 96%). Wines clarified by racking off lees or light filtration. Then adjustments made to pH and light fining for protein stability.
Why do producers want a neutral spirit in Rutherglen Muscat?
to retain Muscat character
How is maturation performed in Rutherglen Muscat?
using old oak vessels (small and large) in warm conditions. Wines matured in warehouses with tin roofs which become hot in summer.
Why is the positioning of the barrels in Rutherglen Muscat important?
those nearer the top of stacks subjected to warmer temps and mature more quickly.
Why do smaller vessels promote greater concentration?
through evaporation, more oxidation and a quicker maturation
During maturation, what causes alcohol, sugar and acidity levels to rise over time?
evaporation from the oak vessels
What affects the speed of the maturation process>
the heat, the size of vessel and humidity
How do producers maintain a fresher, less oxidative style of wine?
reducing ullage by topping up frequently
What are the overall effects of maturation?
pale pink, ruby or garnet to deep brown; increase in sweetness, alcohol and acidity levels; become fuller-bodied and more syrupy, develop tertiary flavors
Are Rutherglen Muscat vintage?
Most are non-vintage and use blending of younger and older wines to gain optimum balance
What is the Muscat of Rutherglen Network?
Founded in 1995 to promote sales of Rutherglen Muscate; introduced classification system.
How are the Rutherglen Muscats classified?
Classified on taste rather than age. Based on richness, complexity and intensity.
Name the four classifications of Rutherglen Muscat?
Rutherglen Muscat; Classic Rutherglen Muscat; Grand Rutherglen Muscat; Rare Rutherglen Muscat
Describe Rutherglen Muscat
Basic style, avg of 3-5 years, residual sweetness 180-240 g/l
Describe a Classic Rutherglen Muscat
greater level of concentration, complexity and tertiary; avg age is 6-10 years, residuat sweetness is 200-280 g/l
Describe a Grand Rutherglen Muscat
even great concentration and complexity, blends very young and very mature wines; ave age is 11-19 yrs; residual sweetness is 270-400
Describe a Rare Rutherglen Muscat
bottled in tiny volumes; min avg age is 20 years; residual sweetness is 270-400 m/l
Describe generally Rutherglen Muscats
medium amber or tawny in color; pronounced aromas of raisins, figs, dates and sweet spices; sweet on palate and full-bodied with medium plus acidiy and medium alcohol and pronounced intensity of flavors. Very good quality and mid-priced. Classic has deeper concentration and greater complexity.
Describe a Grand or Rare Rutherglen Muscat
brown in color with nutty, liquorice character; sweeter and fuller bodied, higher acidity. outstanding quality and super premium prices.
Who manages most of the Rutherglen Muscat production?
Only a handful of wineries, majority belonging to the Muscat of Rutherglen Network, mostly estate fruit.
What % of wine business in Australia is Rutherglen Muscat?
Only 2%
Who is the top export market of Rutherglen Muscat and who are the biggest producers?
UK; Campbells and Chambers Rosewood
