Rutherglen Muscat Grapes and Growing Environment Flashcards
Where is Rutherglen located?
Northeast of Victoria, Australia. It is inland from the coast.
How large is the vineyard area in Rutherglen?
411 ha
What is the climate in Rutherglen?
Continental with warm days and cool nights due to air flowing from the Victorian Alps
What characteristics of the climate enable grapes to become suitable for fortified wine production in Rutherglen?
Warm days during the growing season and long, dry autumns cause the grapes to ripen with high sugar levels
True or False
Grapes for Rutherglen Muscat are left to shrivel on the vine
True. This is done for very sweet, syrupy styles of wine that can sometimes reach 20% potential ABV
When does harvest for Rutherglen Muscat begin?
It depends on the producer, the desired sweetness, and the weather, but it can begin anywhere between mid-March and May
Some Rutherglen Muscat producers will pick separate vineyard plots at different times. Why?
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
Why does autumn rain present a problem in Rutherglen?
The autumns are generally dry and wetness can bring disease pressure
Is botrytis desired in the production of Rutherglen Muscat?
No. These wines rely on aromatics from the grapes to be identifiable even over long periods of aging
What grape is used in the production of Rutherglen Muscat?
Muscat à Petit Grains Rouge
It is also known as Brown Muscat in Australia
What training and trellising systems are used to grow grapes for Rutherglen Muscat?
Typically double cordons with the canopy held up by a single foliage wire or a VSP system
In regards to vine training, what is a key concern for the grapes used to create Rutherglen Muscat?
Ensuring the grapes are shaded enough to prevent sunburn
True or False
Rutherglen is planted with a considerable amount of old vines
True. These vines produce smaller berries, which offers deeper colored, more concentrated wines
