Rutherglen (Australia)
Rutherglen (Victoria) is Australia's most important area of fortified wine production.
Rutherglen Muscat and Rutherglen Topaque are both highly regarded for their unique production methods and deep, complex flavors.
Rutherglen Muscat Flavors
Fresh fruit flavors are typical for Rutherglen Muscat.
 Muscat Grape |
 Orange Zest |
 Marmelade |
 Raisins |
 Rose Petal |
 Lavender |
 Walnuts |
 Fruit Cake |
Classic Rutherglen Muscat
Greater levels of richness and complexity. Mature characters produced from extended maturation in oak.
 Espresso |
Raisins |
 Licorice |
 Caramel |
 Chocolate |
 Musk |
Grand Rutherglen Muscat
Higher levels of richness and complexity. More intensity, depth and concentration of flavors from extended maturation in oak.
 Coffee |
Raisins |
 Dried Fruit |
 Toffee |
Chocolate |
 Molasse |
Rare Rutherglen Muscat
The richest and most complete wine. Deep colour, intense fruit and mature oak characters.
 Coffee |
Chocolate |
 Wood |
 Cinnamon |
 Cloves |
 Roasted Nuts |
Rutherglen Profile
Rutherglen is rich and fruity.
| SUGAR: | 180-240 g/l |
| BODY: | Medium - Full |
| ACIDITY: | Medium - Low |
| ALCOHOL | 17% |
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Serving temperature: 10-14°C 50-57°F |
Rutherglen Food Pairing
Rutherglen can be served as an Apertif or with Dessert.
Chocolate-Based Desserts will highlight the wine’s cocoa and berry notes.
 Brownies |
 Chocolate Mousse |
Chocolate |
 Chocolate Cake |
 Aperitif |
 Cherry Pie |
Dried Fruit |
Excellent Pairings
Dark chocolate mousse.Flourless Chocolate Cake.
Brownies. Chocolate Truffles.
Dried Fruits and Nuts.
Almond tart. Pecan pie. Hazelnut Cake.
Cheesecake with berry or chocolate toppings.
Blue Cheese
The strong, salty flavor of blue cheese contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of Rutherglen.
Game
Roasted game will bring out the wine's fruity, earthy qualities.
Foie Gras.Duck breast with a berry reduction.
The Ideal Glass for Rutherglen
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A Small Tulip Shaped glass consentrates the aromas (nutty, chocolatey, and fruity) near the rim for enhanced nose enjoyment. The slightly narrow opening helps to capture the deep, rich aromas, making each sip more flavorful. Rutherglen is usually served slightly chilled. A stemmed glass maintains the optimal temperature by preventing your hand from warming the wine. |
Rutherglen Cheese Pairing
Rutherglen (Australia)
Rutherglen Muscat and Rutherglen Topaque are fortified sweet wines from the Rutherglen wine region in Victoria, Australia.
They are both highly regarded for their unique production methods and deep, complex flavors.
Both wines are celebrated for their ability to age gracefully in barrel, producing a rich, concentrated experience. They are enjoyed as dessert wines and pair well with blue cheeses, chocolate desserts, or as a delightful sipper on their own.
Rutherglen Muscat
Primarily made from Muscat à Petits Grains Rouge grapes (aka Brown Muscat).
The grapes are harvested very ripe, then fortified with grape spirit, which stops fermentation and retains natural sugars. The wine is aged in a warm, oxidative environment, which develops its intense, layered flavors.
Known for its rich, intense sweetness with notes of raisin, caramel, toffee, and dried fruits, alongside hints of spice and nuts. It often has a floral character due to the Muscat grape’s aromatic profile.
Appearance: Dark amber to mahogany, with older Muscats being darker.
Rutherglen Muscat Classifications
Rutherglen Muscat is classified in stages. Each level represents more time in barrel.
Rutherglen Muscat (age 3-5 years).
Light and subtle richness with distinctive raisin flavour.
180-240 grams sugar per litre.Classic Rutherglen Muscat (age 6-10 years).
Rich and complex flavour with hints of spice and wood-aged characters.
200-280 grams sugar per litre.Grand Rutherglen Muscat (age 11- 19 years).
Intense depth of flavour with dark chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, fruit cake, caramel and butterscotch.
270-400 grams sugar per litre.Rare Rutherglen Muscat (age 20+ years).
Equally complex and intense with notes of dried fruit notes, sweet spice, caramel, nuts, and butterscotch.
270-400 grams sugar per litre.
Rutherglen Topaque
Made from Muscadelle grapes, historically referred to as "Tokay" in Australia.
Similar production process as Muscat. Topaque grapes are harvested at high ripeness, fortified to retain sweetness, and aged in a warm, oxidative setting that enhances complexity.
Topaque tends to be slightly lighter than Muscat but still rich and complex. It exhibits flavors of honey, toffee, malt, tea leaf, and a more subdued floral note. Over time, it develops characteristics of butterscotch, caramel, and roasted nuts.
Aging & Classification: Like Muscat, Rutherglen Topaque is categorized as Rutherglen, Classic, Grand, or Rare, with increasing intensity and concentration in each level.
Appearance: A lighter amber to golden-brown color, becoming darker and richer with age.