VDN + Rutherglen Flashcards

1
Q

Main regions of VDN?

A

Roussillon (80%)
Languedoc
Southern Rhone

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2
Q

Describe the climate of VDN PDOs?

A

Mediterranean
Warm/dry
Tramontane wind - high transpiration

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3
Q

Grapes of VDN?

A

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

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4
Q

Describe Muscat Blanc a Petits Grains?

A

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

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5
Q

Describe Muscat of Alexandria?

A

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

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6
Q

Describe Grenache Noir?

A
Late ripening
Drought resistant
High yields
Accumulates sugar quickly
Susceptible to coulure, downy mildew, phomopsis, and botrytis
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7
Q

Vineyard conditions for VDN?

A
Shady canopy
Max yield of 30 hL/ha
Min. 14.8% ABV potential
Hand harvesting
Avoid late harvest/botrytis
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8
Q

MInimum sugar concentration for VDN:

A

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

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9
Q

Winemaking practices for VDN?

A
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
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10
Q

Describe a youthful VDN:

A

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

Grenache-based: Blackberry, raspberry, plum

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11
Q

Aging process of VDN:

A

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

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12
Q

VDN appellations in Rhone?

A

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

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13
Q

Additional grape allowed in red and rose VDN in Rhone?

A

Muscat a Petits Grains Rouge

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14
Q

Significant producer of Beaumes-de-Venise?

A

Domaine des Bernardins

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15
Q

Describe Rasteau?

A
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
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16
Q

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

A

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

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17
Q

Define Grenat/Rimage?

A

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

18
Q

Define Tuile/Traditionnel?

A

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

19
Q

Define Ambre?

A

A white wine matured oxidatively

20
Q

Define Hors d’Age?

A

A long-aged oxidative VDN, red or white

21
Q

Name the five leading AOCs for Roussillon VDN:

A
Banyuls
Banyuls Grand Cru
Maury
Muscat de Rivesaltes
Rivesaltes
22
Q

Differences betweeen Banyuls and Banyuls Grand Cru?

A

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

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

23
Q

Describe Maury?

A

Red VDN - 75% Grenache Noir

White VDN - unaged (rare)

24
Q

Describe Rivesaltes?

A

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

25
Q

Location and size of Rutherglen?

A

Inland, NE Victoria

411ha under vine

26
Q

Climate of Rutherglen?

A

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

27
Q

Viticulture of Rutherglen?

A
Grapes left to extra-ripen/shrivel
20% Potential ABV
Rain - increased fungal disease risk
Double cordon-training/VSP
Shading
Old vines
28
Q

Grape of Rutherglen, and flavors?

A

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

29
Q

Winemaking in Rutherglen?

A

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

30
Q

Maturation of Rutherglen?

A
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
31
Q

Who promotes Rutherglen, and when was it founded?

A

Muscat of Rutherglen Network

1995

32
Q

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

A

Rutherglen Muscat
Classic Rutherglen Muscat
Grand Rutherglen Muscat
Rare Rutherglen Muscat

Richness, complexity, and intensity

33
Q

Describe Rutherglen Muscat (classification):

A

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

34
Q

Describe Classic Rutherglen Muscat:

A

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

35
Q

Describe Grand Rutherglen Muscat:

A

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

36
Q

Describe Rare Rutherglen Muscat:

A
Minimum average age 20
RS 270-400g/L
Small volume
Pinnacle of style
Much of blend much older than 20
37
Q

General Rutherglen Characteristics:

A
Medium garnet
Pronounced
Raisins
Dates
Figs
Sweet Spices
Sweet, full bodied, m+ acid, med alcohol
38
Q

How long to age a bottle of Rutherglen?

A

Don’t - drink fresh

Max 1-2 years

39
Q

Rutherglen wine business notes:

A

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

40
Q

Key markets for Rutherglen?

A

Domestic (19L - 95%)
China
UK
USA

41
Q

Key Rutherglen producers?

A

Campbells

Chambers Rosewood