Muscat of Rutherglen
Muscat of Rutherglen
Muscat of Rutherglen is a world recognised and critically-acclaimed wine style unique to Rutherglen, with a proud history spanning over 100 years of family winemaking. The blending skills required to produce this rare gem have been passed down from generation to generation, with winemakers plying their craft so that they can share their skills and artistry with Muscat lovers from all over the world.
While there are more than 200 varieties of Muscat in the world but Rutherglen’s wine producers only use the high-quality Muscat à Petits Grains Rouge (locally referred to as ‘Rutherglen Brown Muscat’), renowned for its intense flavours due to the smaller berries providing more colour and flavour. The clones used are specific to Rutherglen and have been grown here for more than 140 years.
Stanton & Killeen Muscat is aged in small and large oak casks and gets it's unique flavour profile and lusciousness from the time spent in barrel and the process of oxidation. The longer our Muscat spends in the barrel, the more it develops.
We bottle according to the Rutherglen classification system with Rutherglen, Classic, Grand and Rare indicating a graduating system of richness, complexity and age. Stanton & Killeen are one of few Muscat houses in Rutherglen that bottles and stocks the full classification from Rutherglen through to Rare.
What is the Muscat of Rutherglen Classification System?
All Rutherglen Muscat is classified using a tiered system that indicates the level of complexity of the wine. The four descriptions mark a progression in richness, complexity, age and intensity of flavour. Age is only one factor in determining a wine’s classification, but it does provide an important clue. Each producer of Muscat of Rutherglen has their own “House Style” within the classification system. Stanton & Killeen is known for it's rounded flavours and aromas of rose petal & Turkish Delight.
Stanton & Killeen Rutherglen Muscat
Average age: 5 years.
The foundation style displaying fresh fruit aromas, rich fruit on the palate, and great length of flavour.
Aromas:Muscat fruit, raisin, orange marmalade, floral
Flavours:Raisin, walnut, fruitcake.
Stanton & Killeen Classic Muscat
Average age: 12 years.
Greater levels of richness and complexity; exhibiting the beginnings of mature wood aged characters produced from extended maturation in oak.
Aromas:Turkish delight, espresso
Flavours:Raisin, toffee, Christmas pudding
Stanton & Killeen Grand Muscat
Average age: 20 years
Takes the flavour of Rutherglen Muscat to a higher level of development; displaying a new level of intensity, depth, and concentration of flavour, mature wood aged characters, and a complexity that imparts layers of texture and flavour.
Aromas:Coffee, toffee, dark chocolate
Flavours: Christmas spice, roasted nuts, salted caramel, molasses
Stanton & Killeen Rare Muscat
Average age: in excess of 25 years.
The pinnacle of the style, the richest and most complete wine – displaying deep colour, intense fruit and mature oak characters, rich viscous texture, and extraordinary depth of mellowed complex flavours.
Aromas:Christmas spice, coffee, chocolate, nuts
Flavours: Fruit cake, coffee bean, aged balsamic, dark chocolate
Stanton & Killeen NV Fortifieds
Stanton & Killeen Topaque
Topaque is the new Australian term for Tokay and is pronounced ‘TOE-PAKE’, rhyming with cake. This change was due to the same EU naming laws as only Tokaj in Hungary has the right to use the word Tokay.
Stanton & Killeen Topaque is made from golden-coloured Muscadelle grapes, one of the very last varieties to be picked during the Rutherglen vintage and produces extremely rich and honey-like flavours.
Stanton & Killeen are one of few Rutherglen wineries that offer the full classification of Topaque from Rutherglen through to Rare.
Stanton & Killeen White Fortified
Stanton & Killeen's White Fortified (previously known as White Port) is a blend of Muscadelle and Chardonnay, Arinto & Viognier.
This wine is highly versatile and can be enjoyed chilled over ice, used as a cocktail base, or on its own for the delicate flavours of honeysuckle, bottlebrush and walnuts.
Stanton & Killeen Ruby & Tawny
Stanton & Killeen's Ruby and Tawny fortified wines are drier in style than the White Fortified, Topaque and Muscat and are often favoured by people who like something with a little more savouriness and balanced spice.
Fortifieds Demystified
There is a wonderful diversity of fortifieds from around the world and Stanton & Killeen is very proud to be from Australia’s best known and most awarded fortified producing region, Rutherglen in North East Victoria. If you’ve ever wanted to know more about these wine styles or felt too embarrassed to ask, read on. We also have a page that explains ‘What are Fortified Wines?’ which will give you a quick overview.
