Noble rot

Noble rot, or "Botrytis cinerea," is a beneficial mold that affects certain grapes, typically in humid conditions. While it may sound harmful, it actually concentrates the sugars and flavors in the grapes, leading to the production of rich, sweet wines, like Sauternes or Tokaji. The mold's presence enhances the wine's complexity, adding unique notes of honey, apricot, and spice. Winemakers intentionally cultivate noble rot to achieve these desirable characteristics, making it a cherished aspect of creating some of the world's finest dessert wines.