Botrytis Cinerea : The Noble Rot

"The nectar produced from white grapes infected with the Botrytis Cinerea, also known as the noble rot, is the wine of Kings and Queens. It is a rare occasion when white grapes become infected with a heavy concentration of botrytis."

Photo Left : Botrytised White Reisling grapes. Notice the clumped, moldy appearance.

The sweet rot uses tartaric acid as a fuel source and in the process, dehydrates the grapes thereby concentrating the sugars. The very distinctive flavor and aromatics of the botrytis overwhelms the varietal characteristics of the grapes themselves. Botrytis infected fruit such as Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Muscat, Trockenbeerenauslaser (White Reisling) are used for Sauternes and many other sweet wines around the world. I have made wine from botrytis infected Chardonnay with very good results and the wine made from 1997 Botrytised Sauvignon Blanc was incredible. Though the flavor characteristics are dominated by the mold's character, the basic fermentation characteristics of the varietal persist.

One can not plan for a harvest of Botritised grapes, in fact, we try to avoid it. Every couple of years, a grower will call with rotten grapes. If the rot is sweet, I must act at once.

I do not know what grape, I do not know from which vineyard, nor do I know the price (but the price will always be higher than the uninfected grapes due to greatly diminished yields). I do know that I must have your order before harvest. This is an act of faith on your part, but it is the only way that I afford the chance to provide you with these special grapes. It has worked well in the past and the achievements of many clients are now legend. Be prepared for high prices and a very sweet experience."

- Peter Brehm