Region Rutherglen

Rutherglen in north-east Victoria is renowned for its unique fortified wine styles, particularly Muscat and Tokay (now called Topaque). During the late 1880s, Rutherglen enjoyed a substantial export market to the UK, but experienced harder economic conditions during the 20th century. The sheer quality of the fortified wine styles has kept the region going. The climate here is warm to hot, with a high degree of continentality and low relative humidity. Soils range Franceom gravels to red and sandy alluvial loams with the best vineyards located on red loamy soils. A four-tiered classification system for Rutherglen Muscat is now in place with styles showing progressive richness and concentration based on the average age of the material and levels of residual sugar.