Rutherglen Muscat - Winemaking - Maturation

5 important questions on Rutherglen Muscat - Winemaking - Maturation

What happens during maturation of Rutherglen Muscat

  • Water evaporates gradually from the oak vessels
  • > alcohol, sugar and acidity levels rise gradually

What impacts the speed of maturation of Rutherglen Muscat and how

  • the heat
    • warmer > quicker
  • the size of the barrel
    • smaller > quicker
  • the humidity
    • dry conditions > quicker

Are the barrels for Rutherglen Muscat topped up?

  • Some producers top up to reduce ullage > fresher, less oxidative style
  • Some producers don't > encourages oxidative flavours to develop
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How does Rutherglen Muscat changes during maturation

  • From pale pink, ruby or garnet to deep brown
  • increase of
    • sweetness
    • alcohol
    • acidity
  • fuller-bodied
  • more syrupy
  • more tertiary flavours

Why is blending important for Rutherglen Muscat

  • Most are non-vintage wines, or 'house- style' so to retain consistency of style year on year:
    • blending younger and older wines to gain optimum balance between freshness and complexity
  • Some producers use a kind of solera system
  • wine from less-ripe grapes that have been stored in cool conditions or have been matured for less time
    • > fresher, fruitier style
  • wines with different levels of sugar
    • > can fine-tune the perception of sweetness in the final wine

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