Final answer:
Rutherglen Muscats are fortified with brandy during fermentation, typically when the wine reaches the desired sweetness, to halt fermentation and preserve the sugar level. This gives the wine its characteristic rich, sweet flavor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Rutherglen Muscats are a type of fortified wine from the Rutherglen region in Victoria, Australia. They are unique for their rich, complex flavors, and the fortification process is a key element in their production. Fortified wines are those where brandy or another distilled spirit is added to the wine. This boosts the alcohol content and halts fermentation, leaving residual sugar which gives the wine its characteristic sweetness.
In the case of Rutherglen Muscats, fortification occurs during fermentation. Typically, when the wine has reached the desired level of sweetness and alcohol from the natural sugars in the grapes, the winemakers add the brandy. This exact moment may vary, but it generally occurs mid-fermentation, which is earlier than it does in the production of dry table wines.
This early fortification is crucial because it preserves the desired sugar levels and flavor profile, contributing to the unique taste Rutherglen Muscats are renowned for. The result is a wine with a luscious, rich texture and flavors that can include notes of caramel, toffee, nuts, and dried fruits.