Rutherglen Muscat Winemaking Flashcards
What makes the extraction of juice from Rutherglen Muscat grapes difficult? What effect does that have on the winemaking process?
The grapes are partly shrivelled, which makes it difficult for the dense juice to pass through. Fermentation starts o the skins to break down the pulp and release sugars and flavors
True or False
Enzymes may be added to the grape must to facilitate extraction in Rutherglen Muscat winemaking
True. This may be used with other methods of extraction such as pushing down, pumping over, and rotary fermentation
At what ABV is wine fortified in Rutherglen Muscat production?
1-2%
What ABV is Rutherglen Muscat fortified to?
17.5%
What is the typical ABV of the fortifying spirit used to make Rutherglen Muscat? Why?
96% so as to protect the aromatics of the Brown Muscat grapes. Lower ABV spirits would further dilute the wine.
Is Rutherglen Muscat released young or matured?
It is matured in very old oak barrels often in warm conditions
What is the classic aging process for Rutherglen Muscat? What effect does this have on the maturation process?
Very old oak barrels that are stacked in warehouses with tin roofs. The wines near the warehouse roof will mature faster as the tin roofs retain heat from the sunlight.
True or False
Contemporary Rutherglen Muscat producers continue to use old tin roof warehouses to mature their wines
False. Some are insulating their warehouses to maintain cooler temperatures and produce fresher wines
What type of barrel is used to mature Rutherglen Muscat?
Large round or oval casks of 1,300 to 9,000 liters and smaller barrels of 180 to 500 liters
What is the effect of warmer conditions on Rutherglen Muscat maturation compared to cooler conditions?
Water evaporation and concentration of aromas, sugar, and alcohol occurs quicker in wines matured in warmer conditions.
Do producers top off their Rutherglen Muscat barrels as they mature? Why or why not?
Some do in order to maintain a fresher style of wine while others prefer the oxidative style created by the ullage
What effect does maturation overall have on Rutherglen Muscat?
The color changes from pale pink to ruby or garnet to deep brown. Sweetness, alcohol, acidity, and body increases. Tertiary flavors develop.
True or False
The majority of Rutherglen Muscat is nonvintage
True
What is the purpose of blending in Rutherglen Muscat production?
To help producers achieve a house style by using wines from different ripenness levels, multiple vintages, periods of maturation, and maturation temperatures
What European system of maturation do some Rutherglen Muscat producers use to ensure consistency?
The solera system
