Rutherglen Muscat Styles

Question 1

Overall style considerations + Rutherglen Network

Answer 1

Muscat of Rutherglen Network

• Founded 1995 – promote sales
• 4-tier classification based on taste: richness, complexity, intensity
• Classified by taste, not age (though age/maturation influences style)
• Higher tiers = more vintages + wider age span in blend
• Lower tiers (R.M. & Classic R.M.) = larger volumes
• Many producers offer all four levels

Question 2

Rutherglen Muscat

Answer 2

basic style
average age of 3–5 y
RS: 180–240 g/L.
medium amber - tawny
pronounced aromas of raisins, figs, dates and sweet spices;
sweet on the palate
full-bodied
medium (+) acidity
medium alcohol f
pronounced flavour intensity
very good quality + mid-priced

Question 3

Classic Rutherglen Muscat

Answer 3

greater level of concentration, complexity and tertiary flav.
average age of 6–10 y
RS: 200–280 g/L
deeper colour
more concentration and greater complexity
quality and price: often between Rutherglen Muscat and Grand and Rare.

Question 4

Grand Rutherglen Muscat

Answer 4

even greater concentration and complexity from blending both young and very mature wines
average age of 11–19 y
RS: 270–400 g/L
brown in colour
nutty, molasses and liquorice flavours
sweeter
fuller-bodied
higher acidity
can still show some primary fruit flavours to balance the tertiary notes
typically of outstanding + can reach super-premium
Individual producers’ house style will incorporate these general flavour profiles.

Question 5

Rare Rutherglen Muscat

Answer 5

richest, most complex and most intense
bottled in tiny volumes
the pinnacle of Rutherglen Muscat
minimum average age of 20 years - some in the blend can be much older
RS: 270–400 g/L
brown in colour
nutty, molasses and liquorice flavours
sweeter
fuller-bodied
higher acidity
can still show some primary fruit flavours to balance the tertiary notes
typically of outstanding + can reach super-premium
Individual producers’ house style will incorporate these general flavour profiles.