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Welcome to Rutherglen Victoria - Victorias Premier Wine Region
It is not often that in early April, a Rutherglen winemaker can say vintage is over, or nearly over, but this year, that is the case. At Pfeiffer Wines, we have harvested all varieties except our Tokay. And believe me, Tokay is definitely worth the wait!!! The warm days and cool nights slowly increases the sugar levles in the grapes and causes shrivel and raisining in the berries (very important for Muscat and Tokay as they are full of all the sugar and flavour!!!). There is still plenty to do in the winery. Aromatic white wines and light reds are being prepared for bottling. It is important to bottle these varieties soon after harvest to lock in all their fruity flavours. Red wines are blended and left to mature in tank or barrel. Fortified wines are checked for alcohol content and the process of clarification begins. The vineyard is a beautiful place to be at this time. The leaves are changing colour, from green to yellow and orange-red, with the changing of the seasons. Post vintage maintenance is being carried out before winter arrives and pruning begins!!!! The quality of the 2008 vintage in Rutherglen has been good. Whites are flavoursome, with good acidity and attractive aromas. The reds have very good colour, with ripe berry fruit flavours and rich tannins. It has been a good year for the fortifieds to date, with high sugar levels achieved in Muscat and Port varieities, and I'm sure the Tokay won't disappoint!!! Of course, we are all starting to think about Victoria's original and best wine festival - the Rutherglen Winery Walkabout over the Queen's Birthday long weekend in June. The weekend is action packed with plenty to do at all participating wineries. It's great to see everyone dressed up in different costumes, enjoying themselves. As a Rutherglen Young Blood, I would love to see you at the Young Bloods Wine Down this year on Saturday night. There will be plenty of good food, fine wine and the annual trivia contest with prizes for the winners!!!! For now, back to the grapes..... 
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Vintage in Rutherglen…
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