Rutherglen Region

Location
 Zone - North East Victoria
State - Victoria

Map Reference
 Latitude 36 degrees and 30 minutes South
Longitude 146 degrees and 32 minutes East

Elevation
 150 - 250 metres above sea level

Subregions
 Wahgunyah

Introduction
 One of the first vignerons in the Rutherglen was Lindsay Brown, who settled in Gooramadda in 1839. Gold followed, but Brown was certain there was greater wealth in viticulture.

As in the rest of Victoria, gold and vines remained muddled during the amazing boom days from 1860 to 1893. The bank crash in 1893 and the appearance of phylloxera struck hard at Victoria's most important wine-producing region, but it survived.

From the beginning it was apparent that the glistening heat of the summer and the acid-retention influence of the cold nights, were supremely suited to the production of full-bodied red wines as well as to fortified wines. The majority of the wineries and vineyards that were replanted after the attack of phylloxera endure, some changed names and some changed owners.

Thankfully the present day has done little to destroy the legacy of the early days and Rutherglen still is one of Australia's most fascinating wine regions.
Primary Grape Varieties
White
 Chardonnay
Riesling
Chenin Blanc
Semillon
Sauvignon Blanc
Other
Total White 20 ha

Fortified
Muscadelle - Tokay 15 ha
Muscat a Petits Grains 10 ha
Palomino 5 ha
Total Fortified 30 ha
Red
 Shiraz 135 ha
Cabernet Sauvignon 40 ha
Merlot Durif
Other
Total Red 195 ha
Primary Wine Styles

Muscat
This is Rutherglen's most famous fortified wine and traditionally considered as the regions greatest. Practically unique in the world, this condensed essence of raisins achieves matchless layers of complexity. Spontaneous, rich and sweet, though the finish is cleansing and not overly sweet. A great winter aperitif and an after dinner wine at any time of year.

Tokay
This wine is only one of a kind, nowhere else in the world is an aged, fortified wine produced from the Muscadelle grape. It has an intense varietal aroma and flavour similar to a mixture of cold tea. Toffee and butterscotch are also frequently identified. Young Tokays are an utter delight and can be enjoyed any time, anywhere.

Shiraz
The traditional red table wine of Rutherglen, made in daring proportions. Contemporary taste suggests that the weight of these wines should be curbed not anymore. The richest, fullest-bodied wines in Australia come from Rutherglen.