RUTHERGLEN MUSCAT Flashcards
What is the history of Rutherglen Muscat? (to present)
1850: Vines first planted in Rutherglen, Victoria
1858: Gold discovered in the area, and population and investment increased
by 1890: region produced 25% of Australia’s wine, much of the sweet fortified wine being exported to the UK.
End of 1800s: Phylloxera devastated area, and by the time replanting happened, it was difficult to compete w/ S. Australia
1995: Muscat of Rutherglen Network established to promtoe sales
What is the location, planting size, climate, and weather for Rutherglen Muscat?
Inland in the NE of Victoria, 70ha planted. Many old Vine plants
Climate is continental with warm days and cool air from the Victoria alps at night
Long dry autumns allow the fruit to hang until extra ripe or shrivelled
What is the timing, criteria and method of harvest for Rutherglen Muscat?
Mid March to May, dependent on weather/desired ripeness. Potential alcohol can be 20% due to shrivelled fruit/late picking.
If by hand, multiple passes may occur for complexity
What is the variety used for Rutherglen Muscat and what are the characteristics?
Muscat a Petit Grains Rouge aka Rutherglen Brown Muscat
A mutation of Muscat Blanc
Pronounced grapey/flora aromas
What are training/trellising methods and hazards for Rutherglen Muscat?
Double cordon with a single foliage wire, or VSP/multiple wires
Shading is key to avoid sunburn
Rain can occur in the fall and cause fungal disease, botrytis not desired
Describe the winemaking process for Rutherglen Muscat, up to maturation.
- Brief skin contact occurs during ferment due to density of juice; ferment helps to break down pulp.
- Enzymes and cap management might also be used to aid juice extraction
- Fortification occurs at 1-2% alcohol, when wine is drained off the skins and fortified with 96% neutral spirit to ~17.5%
- Racking or light filtration takes place
- Option to adjust pH, fine or protein stabilize
What are pre-maturation adjustments for Rutherglen Muscat? (3)
- Wines are racked or lightly filtered
- Fine or protein stabilizing is optional to avoid deposit and off-flavours in maturation
- Option to adjust pH
Describe the maturation process for Rutherglen Muscat. (4)
- Aged in old oak vessels that are either small (180-500L) or large round or oval (1300-9000L). Smaller barrels promote greater evaporation, concentration, oxidation and speeds process
- Often carried out in warm conditions, ie. traditional warehouses w/tin roofs; some insulate for moderate temps.
- Ullage/positioning in warehouse depends on desired style
- Sweetness, alcohol, acid, body/syrupiness, tertiary flavours increase. Colour changes from pale pink to ruby, garnet, deep brown.
What is the blending protocol for Rutherglen muscat and what is the purpose?
Most are NV wines; some use a modified solera system to blend older and younger wines.
It is used for balancing freshness, complexity, consistency and for house style.
What are the 4 classifications of Rutherglen Muscat and their requirements?
Classified based on taste (not age):
1) Rutherglen Muscat
- Average age of 3-5 years
- RS of 180-240g/L
- Basic; Fewer blending components
2) Classic Rutherglen Muscat
- Average age of 6-10 years
- RS of 200-280g/L
- More concentrated/tetiary than 1)
3) Grand Rutherglen Muscat
- Average age of 11-19 years
- RS of 270-400g/L
- More concentrated/tetiary than 2)
4) Rare Rutherglen Muscat
- Min average age of 20 years
- RS of 270-400g/L
- Greatest span of ages in blend
- Tiny volume
What is the style of Rutherglen Muscat and Classic Rutherglen Muscat? (10)
- Med Amber or Tawny Colour
- Pronounced raisin, fig, date, sweet spice aromas and flavours
- Sweet
- Full bodied
- Med Acidity
- Med Alcohol
- Very Good
- Mid Priced
- Classic is deeper in colour and has more concentration/complexity
- Should be consumed within 1-2 years of bottling
What is the style of Grand Rutherglen Muscat and Rare Rutherglen Muscat? (8)
- Brown colour
- Nutty, treacle, licquorice notes
- Sweet
- Full Bodied vs Basic/Classic
- Higher acid vs Basic/Classic
- Oustanding
- Super Premium
- Should be consumed within 1-2 years of bottling
What are the business types, and an example of a producer for Rutherglen Muscat?
Only a few wineries who are mostly members of the Muscat of Rutherglen Network.
Majority estate grown fruit with a small amount purchased.
Ex. Campbells, Chambers Rosewood
What are total sales for fortified wines from Australia; including domestic sales? What is the largest export market?
Fortified wines account for 2% of Australian sales globabally @ 20 million L.
Domestic market is the largest at 19 million L.
Largest export market is the UK.
