Yes, sparkling wine can be made from grapes affected by noble rot. Noble rot, also known as Botrytis cinerea, is a type of fungus that can affect grapes under specific weather conditions. While it is more commonly associated with the production of sweet wines like Sauternes or Trockenbeerenauslese, it is possible to use grapes affected by noble rot to make sparkling wine as well.
What is Noble Rot?
Noble rot is a beneficial type of fungus that can develop on grapes under specific weather conditions. It causes the grapes to dehydrate and shrink, concentrating the sugars and flavors within the grape. This can result in a unique flavor profile characterized by honeyed notes, apricot, and tropical fruit flavors.
How is Sparkling Wine Made from Grapes Affected by Noble Rot?
While noble rot is more commonly associated with the production of sweet wines, it can also be used in the production of sparkling wine. Here’s how sparkling wine can be made from grapes affected by noble rot:
- The grapes affected by noble rot are harvested at the perfect moment when they have reached the ideal level of sugar concentration.
- These grapes are then pressed to extract the juice, which is fermented into a base wine.
- The base wine is then bottled with additional sugar and yeast to undergo a second fermentation, creating bubbles in the wine.
- After the second fermentation is complete, the wine is aged on its lees to develop complexity and richness.
- Finally, the wine is disgorged to remove the lees, and a dosage (a mixture of wine and sugar) is added to adjust the sweetness level of the wine.
Benefits of Using Grapes Affected by Noble Rot
While the use of grapes affected by noble rot may not be as common in sparkling wine production as it is in the production of sweet wines, there are several benefits to using these grapes:
- Unique Flavor Profile: Grapes affected by noble rot can impart a unique flavor profile to the sparkling wine, with complex aromas and flavors that are not typically found in non-botrytized wines.
- Natural Sweetness: Noble rot causes the grapes to concentrate sugars, resulting in a natural sweetness that can enhance the overall flavor profile of the wine.
- Increased Complexity: The dehydration of the grapes can result in a more concentrated flavor profile with increased complexity and depth.
Challenges of Using Grapes Affected by Noble Rot
While there are benefits to using grapes affected by noble rot in the production of sparkling wine, there are also some challenges to consider:
- Yield: Grapes affected by noble rot tend to have lower juice yields due to dehydration, which can impact the overall production volume.
- Risk of Spoilage: Noble rot can sometimes lead to spoilage if not managed properly, which can result in off flavors in the wine.
- Cost: The production of grapes affected by noble rot requires careful monitoring and labor-intensive harvesting, which can increase production costs.
Examples of Sparkling Wines Made from Grapes Affected by Noble Rot
While sparkling wines made from grapes affected by noble rot may not be as common as other styles of wine, there are some notable examples from around the world:
- Champagne: Some Champagne houses have experimented with using grapes affected by noble rot in their cuvées to add complexity and depth to their sparkling wines.
- Sparkling Shiraz: In Australia, some producers have used grapes affected by noble rot to make sparkling Shiraz wines, which can have a rich and intense flavor profile.