🍷 Rutherglen Muscat
A very sweet, thick fortified Muscat wine from Australia.
Rutherglen Muscat is a very sweet, thick wine from the Australian state of Victoria, from the area around the town of Rutherglen. It is made from Muscat grape varieties that are left on the vine to ripen to high sweetness.
It is a fortified wine: grape spirit is added to the fermenting juice. Fermentation stops, and most of the sugar stays in the wine. The wine is then aged for a long time in barrels. Over the years it becomes darker and thicker, with notes of raisin, nut and caramel.
By type it is a fortified wine, like port or Madeira, and it is close to other fortified wines. It is usually served in small glasses at the end of a meal or with desserts. Strength is typically around 17–18%, so it should be enjoyed in moderation. Rutherglen Muscat is seen as one of Australia's best-known wine calling cards. The Rutherglen area is known for a warm climate and a long autumn, which help the grapes ripen fully.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Rutherglen Muscat?
A very sweet fortified wine made from Muscat grapes in the Rutherglen area of Australia.
How is it different from ordinary wine?
Grape spirit is added, so it is stronger and sweeter, and it is then aged for a long time in barrels.
How is it served?
Usually with desserts or on its own, in small portions.
Similar
🍷 Liqueur wine · 🍷 Carcavelos · 🍷 Mavrodaphne of Patras · 🍷 Moscatel de Setúbal · 🍷 Fondillón · 🍷 Mutage
⚠️ Wine contains alcohol: adults only, drink in moderation. Wine usually contains sulphites; egg white or milk proteins are sometimes used for fining — important for allergies and for vegans.