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Muscat of RutherglenHistory As with most great stories the history behind the Muscats of Rutherglen is more than a happy combination of geographical location, personalities and opportunities. Vision, tenacity, passion, and plain old hard work have forged Rutherglen’s inimitable status as the home of the world’s richest wines. In spite of very different climatic conditions and soils, lack of water and distance from traditional markets, early German and British settlers planted vines in the gently undulating country abutting the Murray River in north East Victoria . Wines from the district were attracting international attention as early as the 1860s with their successes at various European exhibitions. In fact, one winery, All Saints Estate, won Australia’s first international Gold Medal in London in 1868. A number of these original families still maintain a strong presence in Rutherglen. Traditions stretching over four, five, sometimes six generations are common in this district and the families, like the wine, have become uniquely Australian in flavour and ownership. Grape variety There are about 200 Muscat varieties, but only one is used to make Rutherglen Muscat – the high quality Muscat a petit grains Rouge, or Brown Muscat as it is known locally. Wine StylesRutherglen Muscats are classified under four descriptions that mark a progression in richness, complexity and intensity of flavour. Although age is only one factor in determining a wine's classification, it does provide some clue, especially for the Grand and Rare wines. Rutherglen Muscat – is the foundation of the style; displaying the fresh raisin aromas, rich fruit, clean spirit and great length of flavour on the palate which are the mark of all the Muscats of Rutherglen. Average age 2-5 years. Residual sweetness 180-240 grams per litre. Classic Rutherglen Muscat – displays a greater level of richness and complexity, produced through the blending of selected parcels of wine, often matured in various sizes of oak cask to impart the distinctive dry ‘rancio’ characters produced from maturation in seasoned wood. Average age 5-10 years. Residual sweetness 200-280 grams per litre. Grand Rutherglen Muscat – takes the flavour of Rutherglen Muscat to a still higher plane of development, displaying a new level of intensity, depth and concentration of flavour, mature rancio characters, and a complexity which imparts layers of texture and flavour. Average age 10-15 years. Residual sweetness 270-400 grams per litre. Rare Rutherglen Muscat – is rare by name and by nature. These are the pinnacle Rutherglen Muscats – fully developed and displaying the extraordinary qualities that result from the blending of selected parcels of only the very richest, and most complete wines in the cellar. Rare Rutherglen Muscats are only bottled in tiny quantities each year, but for those privileged to taste them, these are wines of breathtaking complexity, texture and depth of flavour. Minimum age 20+ years. Residual sweetness 270-400 grams per litre. The house styles of Rutherglen Muscat reflects each winery's unique interpretation of the variety. Code of Practice
The Muscat of Rutherglen Network was established in 1995 to address the challenge of falling sales and consumption of Rutherglen Muscat. The eight founding members of the group are: All Saints Estate, Bullers, Campbells, Chambers, Morris, Pfeiffer, Seppelts, and Stanton & Killeen. The group's charter was to find ways of lifting the profile of the Rutherglen Muscat and to grow sales in domestic and export markets. To assist in communicating the Muscat story to a new generation of wine drinkers - and to rekindle the interest amongst those who might have drifted away as the rapid growth in table wine consumption took hold - the group developed a unique, four tier classification system, representing an ascending order of richness and complexity - an explanation of the classifications is in the Wine Styles section above. As part of this process the group also developed a mark of regional authenticity – an oval logotype with a stylised “R” – which is only applied to the wines drawn from the great Muscat vineyards of the region. The Muscat of Rutherglen trademark assures the highest quality of wine exclusively sourced from the Rutherglen Wine Region. The logo is usually included on the back label. Finally, the group agreed on a voluntary Code of Practice that all members observe. The conditions and obligations of the Code include:
The success of the group's efforts in developing an easily understood and internationally accepted classification system has led to the Australian wine industry's decision to adopt it for other wood matured fortifieds, notably Tawny. Serving with FoodRutherglen Muscat is a wonderful and versatile accompaniment to food, and the many styles of Muscat produced in the region allow innovative combinations of wine and food. The lighter Rutherglen Muscats are superb aperitifs – a perfect way to prepare for a hearty meal. In the warmer months they can be chilled without loss of flavour. The richer Classic Rutherglen Muscats are excellent complements to a wide range of flavoursome pate, terrine, soups and stews, spicy Asian cuisine and sauced meats. They are sublime matches to dessert dishes with caramel, toffee, chocolate, marinated fruits or rich ice cream – giving them a reputation as probably the greatest dessert wine style of the world. Richer Rutherglen Muscats perfectly match aged cheeses including the stronger flavoured blue and rind matured styles, which can dominate table wines, but not Muscat. A glass of Grand or Rare Rutherglen Muscat is the perfect partner to well brewed coffee and petit fours. Rutherglen Muscat is unsurpassed as a match to chocolate – it will not be overpowered by even the richest of dark European styles. The wine and food combinations possible with the range of Rutherglen Muscats are almost limitless. Whenever richly flavoured dishes are offered, the world’s richest wines will prove perfect partners. |
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