D5.C6. Rutherglen Muscat Flashcards
(49 cards)
When are the first vines planted in Rutherglen?
1850s
Although Rutherglen was producing around 25% of Australia’s wine by 1890, why is the production decreased considerably therafter?
- Phylloxera
- By the time the region recovered by replanting on resistant rootstocks, it found it
difficult to compete with more productive regions in South Australia
What is the reason for “house styles” for Rutherglen Muscat?
Because, many of the wineries that produce Rutherglen Muscat are family run and have been making this wine for several generations
Give examples of wineries producing lighter and fresher style and more intense luscious styles of Rutherglen Muscats
- Lighter and fresher style : Pfeiffer Wines
- Intense luscious style: All Saints Wines, Morris Wines
What is the area under vine in Rutherglen?
70 ha
What is the climate of Rutherglen
Continental with warm days but moderated by cool air flowing down from the Victorian Alps during the night
Which factors help grapes to accumulate large amount of sugar in Rutherglen?
- Warm days in the growing season
- Long, dry autumns
- Grapes are often left on the vine until they become extra ripe and start to shrivel
What are the effects of shriveling of the grapes used to produce Rutherglen Muscat?
- High potential alcohol levels (20% not unusual)
- Development of some dried fruit characteristics
How is the harvest date decided in Rutherglen?
- According to the weather
- Desired degree of ripeness
What is the usual date of harvest in Rutherglen?
Usually between mid-March and May
Why do many producers pick different vineyard blocks at different times in Rutherglen?
To gain a combination of earlier harvested fruit with fresh Muscat aromas, and extra-ripe, shriveled grapes with more sugar and dried fruit characters
Why can rain can occasionally be a problem in Rutherglen?
Rain increases the risk of fungal diseases
Why is the orange marmalade aromas that botrytis can give are not desired in Rutherglen wines?
Because, despite a long ageing process, the grapey aromas of Muscat should still be identifiable
Which grape is used to make Rutherglen Muscat?
Muscat à Petits Grains Rouges, also known locally as Rutherglen Brown Muscat, a red- skinned mutation of Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains
What is the common training system for Muscat à Petits Grains Rouges?
Vines tend to be trained to double cordons, with the canopy sprawling over a single foliage wire or held by more wires into a VSP
Why is shading a key concern for Muscat à Petits Grains Rouges in Rutherglen?
Otherwise the grapes become sunburnt
Why is the wines produced from old vines have greater quality?
Old vines are said to produce bunches of smaller grapes with a higher skin to juice ratio, which can produce deeper coloured, more concentrated wines
Why are the grapes not pressed immediately on arrival to winery in Rutherglen?
Because, when picked, Muscat grapes are partly shrivelled making it hard to extract the dense juice through pressing immediately. Crushed Muscat grapes therefore ferment briefly on their skins to break down the pulp and release sugar and flavours
Which winemaking practices can be performed to aid extraction for Rutherglen Muscat?
- Enzymes may be added
- Cap management techniques (punching down, pumping over, rotary fermenters)
When are the grapes pressed and fermentation is stopped by fortification?
When the juice gains 1–2 per cent of alcohol
What are the properties of the spirit chosen for the fortification of Rutherglen Muscat? Why?
- Neutral fortifying spirits of at least 96% abv
- To retain Muscat character: A lower strength spirit would need to be added in greater volume and would further dilute the wine
What are the common winery practices before the Rutherglen Muscats are bottled? Why?
- Clarification by racking off lees or by light filtration
- Adjustments to pH
- Perform light fining for protein stability.
- The aim is to avoid deposits that might cause off-flavours during maturation
What are the conditions of the warehouses used for the maturation of Rutherglen Muscat?
Classically, the wines are matured in warehouses with tin roofs, which become hot in the summer
Why is the positioning of the barrels in the warehouses is important for the Rutherglen Muscat?
Those nearer the top of stacks are subjected to warmer temperatures and mature more quickly
