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.
