Origin
Rutherglen is a charming, unspoilt town in the north-east corner of the state of Victoria. The town’s foundation came about in the 1850’s gold rush and to this day has maintained a slightly time warped aura. The wine industry grew up around the same time and the hot, arid conditions are just perfect for the production of richly flavoured dessert wines from super ripe grapes. Of all the styles of wine made in this great country, liqueur Rutherglen Muscats are considered by many to be Australia’s most individual.
Producer
Founded in 1858 by William Chambers, today Stephen Chambers is the 6th generation of the Chambers family to make and age wine in the Rosewood winery, having taken over fully in 2001. Chambers are possibly unique in that their whole business is solely dedicated to the production of venerable aged Rutherglen dessert wines (other producers also make a range of table wines). Winemaking has been subtly changed in recent years in order to make fresher, cleaner wines – whilst also extending the time in cask to create more complex blending material.
Grape Variety
100% Muscat à Petits Grains Rouge.
This is the most noble of all the different members of the Muscat family and makes the finest dessert styles. Grapes are always late harvested with a proportion desiccated from a long hang time in the hot Victorian sun.
Grapes are crushed and skins are left in contact for about 24 hours to accentuate the aromatic qualities. After an initial fermentation the wine is fortified which preserves the natural grape sugars. The wine is then placed in old oak casks (of mixed sizes) for a period of extended aging. Each vintage is aged separately and then a blending takes place under the auspices of head winemaker Stephen Chambers. The Rosewood Vineyards blend has an average age of 4 years.
Food Match
Must be served well chilled. Works wonderfully with most traditional, genuinely sweet puddings – especially Sticky Toffee; also Christmas pudding and mature cheeses.
Suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Alcohol Percentage
17.5%
In the Press
Silver – International Wine Challenge 2020
Silver – Sommelier Wine Awards 2020
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