BACKGROUNDThis wine is named for the Collett family matriarch, Mary McTaggart, a woman with a love for all things aromatic, fruity and festive. Her Christmas pudding, rich with spice and dried fruit, was a family favourite. When we describe this Muscat as “Christmas pudding in a glass,” we mean it. A blend of young and old parcels gives the wine its character, the younger bringing raisins, sultanas and floral perfume, while the older adds richness and a long, lingering finish. This Muscat captures the spirit of Mary’s kitchen and her hospitality- festive, generous and never forgotten. WINEMAKING We crush almost raisined, highly aromatic Muscat and Frontignac grapes at the end of vintage, when sugar levels are at their peak. Pure grape spirit is added soon after fermentation begins, creating a perfumed, luscious wine of about 18% alcohol. Barrel maturation and gradual evaporation to 'the angels’ share increases sweetness and viscosity while developing toffee and caramel like flavours. Primary grape colour slowly settles, eventually creating that classic tawny hue. Younger Muscat is blended in to lift the fruit and balance the aged components. TASTING NOTE Raisin characters on the nose mingle with orange zest and a hint of Christmas pudding. Decadent and luscious, it finishes with lingering toffee and grape sweetness. Bottled unfiltered, it retains its full texture and richness. One of the few wine styles that works with chocolate. Try it with butterscotch or sticky date pudding, or pour over fruitcake, warm gently and serve with cream or ice cream. FROM THE WINEMAKER ‘Making good Muscat comes down to three things: sound, ripe grapes, seasoned old ex-spirit casks, and patience (lots of patience.) Through the generations, we have built a special collection of old ex-whiskey and bourbon casks of varying sizes, allowing us to mature some incredible parcels of Muscat. This wine is no exception. With an average age of around 20 years, it embodies everything we aim for in our fortified wines: concentration, balance, and the kind of depth that invites you to take another sip. Enjoy!’ - Peter Collett Multi Vintage 500ml
