Noble rot selection (botrytis)

Selection de Grains Nobles refers to sweet wines made from grapes affected by noble rot, caused by the fungus Botrytis cinerea. The fungus pierces the berry skin, triggering dehydration that concentrates sugars and aromas while adding notes of honey, candied apricot and saffron. Picking is done berry by berry over several passes through the vineyard. Sauternes and the great Alsatian dessert wines are its most celebrated expressions.