Glossary
Noble Rot
/NOH-bul ROT/
Beneficial fungus (Botrytis cinerea) for sweet wines.
Full Definition
Noble rot is the beneficial form of Botrytis cinerea that concentrates grape sugars by dehydrating berries while adding distinctive honey, apricot, and marmalade flavors. It requires specific conditions: morning humidity (fog), afternoon dryness. Essential for Sauternes, Tokaji Aszu, and German TBA/BA wines.
Related Terms
See Also
Reference
More terms starting with N
Natural Wine
Wine made with minimal intervention and additives.
Negociant
A merchant who buys grapes or wine to blend and sell.
New Oak
Barrels being used for the first time.
New World
Wine regions outside traditional European areas.
Nose
The overall aromatic character of wine.
Native Yeast
Wild yeast found naturally in vineyard or winery.