Notes sourced from Brown Brothers.Orange Muscat and Flora are two white grape varieties, little known or planted in Australia, that have been pioneered by Brown Brothers. Orange Muscat, as the name suggests, is part of the Muscat family and hails from the south-east of France. The variety is said to have derived its name from the golden hues the grapes take when fully ripe and the strong aroma of orange blossom given off at vintage when the grapes are freshly crushed. Flora was developed at the Californian Agricultural Department Station in 1958 from a cross between the white grapes Semillon and Gewürztraminer. It produces a wine of fragrance and body with a fresh acid backbone. Although a mouthful of a name to remember, once sipped Late Harvested Orange Muscat & Flora is an unforgettable wine. This popular dessert wine is literally made in the vineyard. It relies simply on sun-ripened fruit and highly distinctive varietals for its full rich flavour. Each variety brings unique qualities to the blend to make it a magical whole. Orange Muscat is the flavour powerhouse, bringing aromas of orange blossom to the nose and a fresh citrus zest to the palate. While Flora, with its nuances of ripe apricot, contributes colour, texture and mouth-feel to the palate. This wine is made-up of a blend of 73% Orange Muscat and 28% Flora. The fruit was grown on Brown Brothers Mystic Park vineyard and other vineyards throughout Victoria. It was harvested in parcels from early February until mid March 2000 at a range of baumé levels from 13.4° to 17.8°. The wine was bottled soon after fermentation was completed with an alcohol of 10.1%, a pH of 3.12 an acid level of 7.5 gr/l and a residual sugar level of 118 gr/l. Tasting Notes: The wine boasts an attractive deep golden colour and a nose that exudes aromas of sun-ripened apricot, mandarin and fragrant orange peel. The palate is full and rich with delicious flavours of marmalade and apricot. The refreshing citrus flavours on the palate give the wine a clean, vibrant finish. This is a wine to be enjoyed whilst it is young and vibrant. It is recommend that this wine is consumed within 2-3 years of vintage. This luscious late harvested wine makes a perfect partner to a wide range of desserts. It would be wonderful served with a steamed orange and persimmon pudding, baked lemon tart, honey bavarois with grilled figs infused with orange, or an orange cake served with mascarpone. Alternatively, it would be delicious served with a washed rind cheese served with dried apricots and fresh pear.
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