Rutherglen Muscat Wine Classifications Flashcards

1
Q

What are the classifications of Rutherglen Muscat?

A

Rutherglen Muscat
Classic Rutherglen Muscat
Grand Rutherglen Muscat
Rare Rutherglen Muscat

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2
Q

What organization established the Rutherglen Muscat classifications? When was it founded?

A

The Muscat of Rutherglen Network, founded in 1995

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3
Q

What is the Rutherglen Muscat classification system based on?

A

Richness, complexity, and intensity

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4
Q

True or False

Rutherglen Muscat is classified based on its age

A

False. It is classified based on taste, though aging plays a role in the style

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5
Q

What is the correlation between the amount of vintages used in a Rutherglen Muscat and its level of classification?

A

As the level of classification increases, the number of vintages used will also generally be greater

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6
Q

Which classifications of Rutherglen Muscat are produced in the greatest volume?

A

Rutherglen Muscat and Classic Rutherglen Muscat

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7
Q

Do Rutherglen Muscat producers have other wines in their portfolio?

A

Yes, they generally produce a range of unfortified and other fortified wine.

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8
Q

Describe Rutherglen Muscat.

A

The baseline for this style of fortified wine. Average age is 3-5 years with a residual sweetness of 180-240 g/L

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9
Q

Describe Classic Rutherglen Muscat.

A

Greater concentration, complexity, and tertiary flavors. Average age is 6-10 years with a residual sweetness of 200-280 g/L

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10
Q

Describe Grand Rutherglen Muscat.

A

A very high level of complexity derived from blending young and very mature wines. Average age is 11-19 years with a residual sweetness of 270-400 g/L

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11
Q

Describe Rare Rutherglen Muscat.

A

The pinnacle of Rutherglen Muscat produced in tiny volumes. Minimum average age is 20 years but wines used in the blend can be much older. Residual sweetness is 270-400 g/L

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12
Q

What is the general character of Rutherglen Muscat?

A
Medium garnet
Sweet
Medium (+) acid
Medium alcohol
Full bodied
Pronounced aromas of raisins, figs, dates, and sweet spice
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13
Q

What is the typical quality and pricing of Rutherglen Muscat?

A

Very good quality

Mid priced

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14
Q

What is the difference in character, quality and pricing between Classic Rutherglen Muscat and Rutherglen Muscat?

A

Classic Rutherglen Muscat has a deeper color, more concentration, and greater complexity. Its quality and pricing is generally in between Rutherglen Muscat and the Grand and Rare examples.

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15
Q

What is the typical character of Grand and Rare Rutherglen Muscat?

A

Tawny or brown in color

A nutty, treacle, liquorice character

Sweeter, fuller bodied, higher acid, and some fruit character

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16
Q

What is the typical quality and pricing of Grand and Rare Rutherglen Muscat?

A

Outstanding quality and super premium pricing

17
Q

Can Rutherglen Muscat benefit from additional aging in the bottle?

A

No. It is best consumed within 1-2 years after release.