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| OHCC LIVING | JUNE 2023 |27 They do this on purpose! Botrytis cinerea, also known as noble rot, is a fungus that can infect grapes and cause them to become botrytized. Under the right conditions of high humidity and temperature changes, the fungus can penetrate the grape skins and dehydrate the berries. This results in the concentration of sugars, acids, and flavors within the grape, leading to unique and complex wine styles. The process of botrytizing is highly dependent on weather conditions, with the ideal climate being a warm, humid environment with morning fog and sunny afternoons. Grapes that are most susceptible to botrytis include Riesling, Sémillon, and Chenin Blanc. Once the grapes are infected with botrytis, the winemaker must carefully monitor the grapes to ensure they are harvested at the right time. The grapes must be picked by hand and often require several passes through the vineyard to select only the fully botrytized grapes. This process is incredibly labor-intensive and can take several weeks or even months to complete. The resulting wines from botrytized grapes are known for their sweetness, complexity, and richness. The sugar concentration in the grapes leads to high levels of residual sugar in the finished wine, making them sweet and luscious on the palate. The acids in the grapes also concentrate, providing a balancing acidity that keeps the wine from being cloyingly sweet. Some of the most famous wines produced from botrytized grapes include Sauternes from Bordeaux, France, which is made primarily from Sémillon grapes, with smaller amounts of Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle. Tokaji from Hungary is also made from botrytized grapes, with Furmint being the primary grape used. In Germany, Riesling is often used to produce botrytized wines, which are labeled as "Beerenauslese" or "Trockenbeerenauslese" depending on the level of botrytizing. These wines are typically lighter in body than Sauternes and Tokaji, but still possess the sweetness and complexity associated with botrytized wines. Overall, the process of botrytizing is a delicate and time-consuming process, but the resulting wines are often considered some of the most complex and decadent wines in the world. Wine Tasting Club