VDN + Rutherglen Flashcards
Main regions of VDN?
Roussillon (80%)
Languedoc
Southern Rhone
Describe the climate of VDN PDOs?
Mediterranean
Warm/dry
Tramontane wind - high transpiration
Grapes of VDN?
Muscat Blanc a Petit Grains
Muscat of Alexandria
Grenache (any)
Describe Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains?
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
Describe Muscat of Alexandria?
Higher sugar levels
Bigger berries
Tolerant of dry weather
Susceptible to powdery mildew and botrytis
Considered lower quality - decreased plantings
Describe Grenache Noir?
Late ripening Drought resistant High yields Accumulates sugar quickly Susceptible to coulure, downy mildew, phomopsis, and botrytis
Vineyard conditions for VDN?
Shady canopy Max yield of 30 hL/ha Min. 14.8% ABV potential Hand harvesting Avoid late harvest/botrytis
MInimum sugar concentration for VDN:
Muscat: 100-125g/L
Grenache: 45-100g/L
Winemaking practices for VDN?
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
Describe a youthful VDN:
Muscat-based: Floral, grapey, peach, pear, honey
Grenache-based: Blackberry, raspberry, plum
Aging process of VDN:
Old oak or glass demi-johns (bonbonnes)
Vessels not topped to encourage oxidation
Sometimes aged outside to speed up process
Several years
VDN appellations in Rhone?
Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise
- SE slopes of Dentelles de Montmirail
Vin Doux Naturel Rasteau
Additional grape allowed in red and rose VDN in Rhone?
Muscat a Petits Grains Rouge
Significant producer of Beaumes-de-Venise?
Domaine des Bernardins
Describe Rasteau?
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
Name two VDN appellations of the Languedoc? What is the style?
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
Define Grenat/Rimage?
Unaged style of red VDN
Grenat in Maury/Rivesaltes
Rimage in Banyuls
Define Tuile/Traditionnel?
Red wine matured oxidatively
Tuile in Maury/Rivesaltes
Traditionnel in Banyuls
Define Ambre?
A white wine matured oxidatively
Define Hors d’Age?
A long-aged oxidative VDN, red or white
Name the five leading AOCs for Roussillon VDN:
Banyuls Banyuls Grand Cru Maury Muscat de Rivesaltes Rivesaltes
Differences betweeen Banyuls and Banyuls Grand Cru?
Banyuls - min. 50% Grenache Noir, small amount of white made
Grand Cru - red only, min. 75% Grenache Noir, matured min. 30 months
Describe Maury?
Red VDN - 75% Grenache Noir
White VDN - unaged (rare)
Describe Rivesaltes?
Both red and white of all styles
Max. 20% Muscat
Primarily Grenache Noir, also includes Grenache Blanc/Gris, Macabeu, Malvoisie
Location and size of Rutherglen?
Inland, NE Victoria
411ha under vine
Climate of Rutherglen?
Warm continental
Cool air from the Victorian Alps
Long, dry autumn (sugar accumulation)
Viticulture of Rutherglen?
Grapes left to extra-ripen/shrivel 20% Potential ABV Rain - increased fungal disease risk Double cordon-training/VSP Shading Old vines
Grape of Rutherglen, and flavors?
Muscat a Petits Grains Rouges
(Rutherglen Brown Muscat)
Grapey/floral aromas
Winemaking in Rutherglen?
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
Maturation of Rutherglen?
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
Who promotes Rutherglen, and when was it founded?
Muscat of Rutherglen Network
1995
Four classifications of Rutherglen, and what is it based on?
Rutherglen Muscat
Classic Rutherglen Muscat
Grand Rutherglen Muscat
Rare Rutherglen Muscat
Richness, complexity, and intensity
Describe Rutherglen Muscat (classification):
Average age 3-5
RS 180-240g/L
Foundation of style
Describe Classic Rutherglen Muscat:
Average age 6-10
RS 200-280g/L
More concentration, complexity, and tertiary
Describe Grand Rutherglen Muscat:
Average age 11-19
RS 270-400g/L
Blends young and very mature wines for more concentration and complexity
Describe Rare Rutherglen Muscat:
Minimum average age 20 RS 270-400g/L Small volume Pinnacle of style Much of blend much older than 20
General Rutherglen Characteristics:
Medium garnet Pronounced Raisins Dates Figs Sweet Spices Sweet, full bodied, m+ acid, med alcohol
How long to age a bottle of Rutherglen?
Don’t - drink fresh
Max 1-2 years
Rutherglen wine business notes:
Only a few producers
Mostly estate fruit
All part of Muscat of Rutherglen Network
Key markets for Rutherglen?
Domestic (19L - 95%)
China
UK
USA
Key Rutherglen producers?
Campbells
Chambers Rosewood
