Rutherglen Muscat Wine Classifications Flashcards
What are the classifications of Rutherglen Muscat?
Rutherglen Muscat
Classic Rutherglen Muscat
Grand Rutherglen Muscat
Rare Rutherglen Muscat
What organization established the Rutherglen Muscat classifications? When was it founded?
The Muscat of Rutherglen Network, founded in 1995
What is the Rutherglen Muscat classification system based on?
Richness, complexity, and intensity
True or False
Rutherglen Muscat is classified based on its age
False. It is classified based on taste, though aging plays a role in the style
What is the correlation between the amount of vintages used in a Rutherglen Muscat and its level of classification?
As the level of classification increases, the number of vintages used will also generally be greater
Which classifications of Rutherglen Muscat are produced in the greatest volume?
Rutherglen Muscat and Classic Rutherglen Muscat
Do Rutherglen Muscat producers have other wines in their portfolio?
Yes, they generally produce a range of unfortified and other fortified wine.
Describe Rutherglen Muscat.
The baseline for this style of fortified wine. Average age is 3-5 years with a residual sweetness of 180-240 g/L
Describe Classic Rutherglen Muscat.
Greater concentration, complexity, and tertiary flavors. Average age is 6-10 years with a residual sweetness of 200-280 g/L
Describe Grand Rutherglen Muscat.
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
Describe Rare Rutherglen Muscat.
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
What is the general character of Rutherglen Muscat?
Medium garnet Sweet Medium (+) acid Medium alcohol Full bodied Pronounced aromas of raisins, figs, dates, and sweet spice
What is the typical quality and pricing of Rutherglen Muscat?
Very good quality
Mid priced
What is the difference in character, quality and pricing between Classic Rutherglen Muscat and Rutherglen Muscat?
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.
What is the typical character of Grand and Rare Rutherglen Muscat?
Tawny or brown in color
A nutty, treacle, liquorice character
Sweeter, fuller bodied, higher acid, and some fruit character
