A Guide to Noble Rot Wines
July 25, 2018
Why Noble Rot?
The whole world seems moving towards lighter wine styles, giving a momentum to the market of sweet and crisp whites. When it comes to sweet wines, there are many ways a dessert wine gains its sweetness. The most popular sweet styles are Noble Rot, Late Harvest, Straw Wines and Ice Wines. This guide will help you gain knowledge on the very popular Noble Rot wines. Unctuous and rich with flavours of barley sugar and candied citrus, these wines belong to ‘the most famous sweet wines in the world’ category. Noble rot typically affects white varietals, so it’s worth exploring the broader world of white wines as well.
What is Noble Rot?
Noble Rot is the affectionate name given to Botrytis Cinerea - a fungus that weakens the grape skins in apt conditions (foggy and humid mornings followed by warm and dry afternoons). This fungus causes water to evaporate from grapes, resulting in sweet and concentrated flavours. It is one of the very few fungal diseases that are welcomed by the viticulturists in their vineyards.
Where does Noble Rot happen?
Noble Rot tends to happen in those areas of vineyards that are closer to the river. The mist from the river on cool autumn mornings condenses on the grapes which encourages the noble rot fungus. It might happen anywhere in the vineyard depending upon how wet the year was. Generally, the period of rain followed by the dry weather of the harvest season create the perfect conditions to develop Botrytis. Soft skin white varieties like Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Riesling and Tokaji Furmint along with Merlot and Pinot Noir in red varieties are more susceptible to get Noble Rot during harvest season. While noble rot often affects white grape varieties, red wine lovers can always buy Red wines to explore different expressions beyond Botrytis styles.
How are Noble Rot wines made?
The process of making Noble Rot wines is complex and long. Manual harvesting is done as the grapes become stickier with this fungus. Riesling wine made with noble rot often displays luscious sweetness balanced by vibrant acidity. The fermentation is very slow as Botrytis kills yeast, hence it needs a regular monitoring. The wine undergoes more frequent racking before getting bottled. Despite being such a complex process, winemakers enjoy making Noble Rot wines because the output is really cherishing. These wines are sweet, have complex flavours and are highly suitable for cellaring.
10 Noble Rot wines you must try!
Australia produces a great range of noble rot wines, the most famous being De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon which has gained international attention since its first vintage produced in 1982. Listed here are some outstanding Noble Rot wines that have made their mark in Australian wine industry and are worth trying.
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De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon 2015 Griffith
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De Bortoli Noble One Botrytis Semillon 2010 Riverina
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d'Arenberg The Noble Prankster Chardonnay Semillon Viognier 2015 McLaren Vale
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Bimbadgen Botrytis Semillon 2015 Hunter Valley
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Oakridge Local Vineyard Series Botrytis Gris 2017 Yarra Valley
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Yalumba FSW 8B Botrytis Viognier 2015 Wrattonbully
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Robert Oatley Craigmoor Botrytis 2009 Mudgee
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Josef Chromy Botrytis Riesling 2016 Tasmania
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Sandalford Botrytis Semillon 2014 Margaret River
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Moppity Estate Botrytis Semillon 2009 Hilltops
Also, check out our blog on Noble Rot wines food pairing to know which dishes taste best with these Botrytis Cinerea wines. Happy Wine-ing! A wine advent calendar is a great way to discover unique styles — maybe even a noble rot surprise.
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