VDN + Rutherglen

Question 1

Main regions of VDN?

Answer 1

Roussillon (80%)
Languedoc
Southern Rhone

Question 2

Describe the climate of VDN PDOs?

Answer 2

Mediterranean
Warm/dry
Tramontane wind - high transpiration

Question 3

Grapes of VDN?

Answer 3

Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains
Muscat of Alexandria
Grenache (any)

Question 4

Describe Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains?

Answer 4

Most widely planted
Smaller berries than Alexandria
Greater intensity aroma/flavor
Tolerant of dry weather
Susceptible to powdery mildew, botrytis, mites
Considered higher quality - increased plantings

Question 5

Describe Muscat of Alexandria?

Answer 5

Higher sugar levels
Bigger berries
Tolerant of dry weather
Susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis
Considered lower quality - decreased plantings

Question 6

Describe Grenache Noir?

Answer 6

Late ripening
Drought resistant
High yields
Accumulates sugar quickly
Susceptible to coulure, downy mildew, phomopsis, and botrytis

Question 7

Vineyard conditions for VDN?

Answer 7

Shady canopy
Max yield of 30 hL/ha
Min. 14.8% ABV potential
Hand harvesting
Avoid late harvest/botrytis

Question 8

MInimum sugar concentration for VDN:

Answer 8

Muscat: 100-125g/L
Grenache: 45-100g/L

Question 9

Winemaking practices for VDN?

Answer 9

Addition of neutral spirit (95-96% ABV) - accounts for 5-10% of volume
Fortification added at 5-8% ABV
Final ABV 15-18%
Skin contact for reds, occasionally for whites
   - Pump over/Punch down
Chilled, fermented on demand
Reds 28*, Whites 15*
Stainless steel

Question 10

Describe a youthful VDN:

Answer 10

Muscat-based: Floral, grapey, peach, pear, honey

Grenache-based: Blackberry, raspberry, plum

Question 11

Aging process of VDN:

Answer 11

Old oak or glass demi-johns (bonbonnes)
Vessels not topped to encourage oxidation
Sometimes aged outside to speed up process
Several years

Question 12

VDN appellations in Rhone?

Answer 12

Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise
- SE slopes of Dentelles de Montmirail
Vin Doux Naturel Rasteau

Question 13

Additional grape allowed in red and rose VDN in Rhone?

Answer 13

Muscat a Petits Grains Rouge

Question 14

Significant producer of Beaumes-de-Venise?

Answer 14

Domaine des Bernardins

Question 15

Describe Rasteau?

Answer 15

Primarily red wines produced (rose and white allowed)
75% minimum Grenache Noir
Juicy, jammy fruit
Unaged - cherry and plum
Oxidative - dried fruit, nutty
16-18% ABV

Question 16

Name two VDN appellations of the Languedoc? What is the style?

Answer 16

All based on Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains in an unaged style
Muscat de Frontignan - largest, warmest, fuller body, tropical fruit
Muscat de St-Jean-de-Minervois - cooler, higher acidity, lighter body, stone fruit/floral

Question 17

Define Grenat/Rimage?

Answer 17

Unaged style of red VDN
Grenat in Maury/Rivesaltes
Rimage in Banyuls

Question 18

Define Tuile/Traditionnel?

Answer 18

Red wine matured oxidatively
Tuile in Maury/Rivesaltes
Traditionnel in Banyuls

Question 19

Define Ambre?

Answer 19

A white wine matured oxidatively

Question 20

Define Hors d’Age?

Answer 20

A long-aged oxidative VDN, red or white

Question 21

Name the five leading AOCs for Roussillon VDN:

Answer 21

Banyuls
Banyuls Grand Cru
Maury
Muscat de Rivesaltes
Rivesaltes

Question 22

Differences betweeen Banyuls and Banyuls Grand Cru?

Answer 22

Banyuls - min. 50% Grenache Noir, small amount of white made

Grand Cru - red only, min. 75% Grenache Noir, matured min. 30 months

Question 23

Describe Maury?

Answer 23

Red VDN - 75% Grenache Noir

White VDN - unaged (rare)

Question 24

Describe Rivesaltes?

Answer 24

Both red and white of all styles
Max. 20% Muscat
Primarily Grenache Noir, also includes Grenache Blanc/Gris, Macabeu, Malvoisie

Question 25

Location and size of Rutherglen?

Answer 25

Inland, NE Victoria | 411ha under vine

Question 26

Climate of Rutherglen?

Answer 26

Warm continental Cool air from the Victorian Alps Long, dry autumn (sugar accumulation)

Question 27

Viticulture of Rutherglen?

Answer 27

``` Grapes left to extra-ripen/shrivel 20% Potential ABV Rain - increased fungal disease risk Double cordon-training/VSP Shading Old vines ```

Question 28

Grape of Rutherglen, and flavors?

Answer 28

Muscat a Petits Grains Rouges (Rutherglen Brown Muscat) Grapey/floral aromas

Question 29

Winemaking in Rutherglen?

Answer 29

Brief fermentation on skin of shriveled + crushed grapes Enzymes added and/or cap management Drained from skins at 1-2% ABV Fortified to min. 17.5% using 96+% ABV neutral spirit Light clarification/filtration Non-vintage

Question 30

Maturation of Rutherglen?

Answer 30

``` Very old oak (anywhere from 180L-9000L) Warm conditions (hot warehouses) Ullage control, depending on style Can use a solera-style system Blending - house style ```

Question 31

Who promotes Rutherglen, and when was it founded?

Answer 31

Muscat of Rutherglen Network | 1995

Question 32

Four classifications of Rutherglen, and what is it based on?

Answer 32

Rutherglen Muscat Classic Rutherglen Muscat Grand Rutherglen Muscat Rare Rutherglen Muscat Richness, complexity, and intensity

Question 33

Describe Rutherglen Muscat (classification):

Answer 33

Average age 3-5 RS 180-240g/L Foundation of style

Question 34

Describe Classic Rutherglen Muscat:

Answer 34

Average age 6-10 RS 200-280g/L More concentration, complexity, and tertiary

Question 35

Describe Grand Rutherglen Muscat:

Answer 35

Average age 11-19 RS 270-400g/L Blends young and very mature wines for more concentration and complexity

Question 36

Describe Rare Rutherglen Muscat:

Answer 36

``` Minimum average age 20 RS 270-400g/L Small volume Pinnacle of style Much of blend much older than 20 ```

Question 37

General Rutherglen Characteristics:

Answer 37

``` Medium garnet Pronounced Raisins Dates Figs Sweet Spices Sweet, full bodied, m+ acid, med alcohol ```

Question 38

How long to age a bottle of Rutherglen?

Answer 38

Don't - drink fresh | Max 1-2 years

Question 39

Rutherglen wine business notes:

Answer 39

Only a few producers Mostly estate fruit All part of Muscat of Rutherglen Network

Question 40

Key markets for Rutherglen?

Answer 40

Domestic (19L - 95%) China UK USA

Question 41

Key Rutherglen producers?

Answer 41

Campbells | Chambers Rosewood