Muscadelle grapes are always harvested at the end of the season, ensuring high sugar levels for the production of Topaque wines. The grapes are crushed into static fermenters, to undergo a cold soak for up to 3 days. Fermentation is commenced on skins (only about 1%v/v) before the grapes are pressed into stainless steel tanks and fortified using a neutral grape spirit, leaving a sweet wine of around 17.5% v/v.
After fortification, the Topaque wines are clarified, then transferred into barrels and casks of different volumes for several years (anything between three and thirty). Most batches are kept separate, however some batches are blended for the maturation process. It is this maturation process that concentrates the wines and produces the rich, complex flavours. Our Pfeiffer Rare Rutherglen Topaque is blended from our very best parcels, made only in the very best vintages, which are then matured in the best possible barrels. This creates a superb wine of outstanding quality, with great depth and persistence of flavour.
The Pfeiffer Rare Rutherglen Topaque is a remarkable dark brown, black colour with olive green hues. The nose is enticing, with strong coffee and chocolate characters, and excellent freshness. The palate is rich, luscious and complex, with lots of chocolate and malt flavours. It is a refined and stylish wine. Superb!