Jalohomeviineistä

Jalohomeviineistä, often translated as noble rot wines, are a unique category of dessert wines produced from grapes that have been intentionally infected with the fungus Botrytis cinerea. This fungus, under specific climatic conditions, creates a thin, porous layer on the grape skin. When the weather is humid, the fungus thrives, piercing the grape's skin and allowing water to evaporate. As the water content decreases, the sugars, acids, and flavor compounds within the grape become concentrated. When the weather turns dry, the fungus remains dormant, allowing the grapes to partially raisin on the vine.

The selection process for these grapes is meticulous. Only the affected grapes are harvested, often by hand, ensuring that only those exhibiting the characteristic noble rot are used. This labor-intensive process contributes to the rarity and expense of these wines. The resulting wines are typically intensely sweet with a complex aroma profile that can include notes of honey, apricot, marmalade, and sometimes a distinct mushroomy or earthy undertone, which is a direct characteristic of the noble rot. The high sugar content also leads to a higher alcohol level.

Famous examples of noble rot wines include Sauternes from Bordeaux, France, Trockenbeerenauslese from Germany, and Tokaji Aszú from Hungary. These wines are prized for their longevity and ability to age gracefully, often developing even more intricate flavors over decades. They are typically enjoyed in small quantities as a dessert wine, a digestif, or paired with rich cheeses and fruit-based desserts.