Rutherglen Muscat Grapes and Growing Environment Flashcards

1
Q

Where is Rutherglen located?

A

Northeast of Victoria, Australia. It is inland from the coast.

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2
Q

How large is the vineyard area in Rutherglen?

A

411 ha

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3
Q

What is the climate in Rutherglen?

A

Continental with warm days and cool nights due to air flowing from the Victorian Alps

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4
Q

What characteristics of the climate enable grapes to become suitable for fortified wine production in Rutherglen?

A

Warm days during the growing season and long, dry autumns cause the grapes to ripen with high sugar levels

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5
Q

True or False

Grapes for Rutherglen Muscat are left to shrivel on the vine

A

True. This is done for very sweet, syrupy styles of wine that can sometimes reach 20% potential ABV

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6
Q

When does harvest for Rutherglen Muscat begin?

A

It depends on the producer, the desired sweetness, and the weather, but it can begin anywhere between mid-March and May

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7
Q

Some Rutherglen Muscat producers will pick separate vineyard plots at different times. Why?

A

To obtain grapes that have different flavor profiles. Grapes harvested earlier will have fresher aromatics while those harvested later will have more sugar and dried fruit characteristics

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8
Q

Why does autumn rain present a problem in Rutherglen?

A

The autumns are generally dry and wetness can bring disease pressure

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9
Q

Is botrytis desired in the production of Rutherglen Muscat?

A

No. These wines rely on aromatics from the grapes to be identifiable even over long periods of aging

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10
Q

What grape is used in the production of Rutherglen Muscat?

A

Muscat à Petit Grains Rouge

It is also known as Brown Muscat in Australia

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11
Q

What training and trellising systems are used to grow grapes for Rutherglen Muscat?

A

Typically double cordons with the canopy held up by a single foliage wire or a VSP system

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12
Q

In regards to vine training, what is a key concern for the grapes used to create Rutherglen Muscat?

A

Ensuring the grapes are shaded enough to prevent sunburn

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13
Q

True or False

Rutherglen is planted with a considerable amount of old vines

A

True. These vines produce smaller berries, which offers deeper colored, more concentrated wines

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