How to Buy Botrytis Dessert Wine

Botrytis cinerea is a fungal growth that can destroy grape vines and their fruit. However, in some growing years, specific weather conditions create this "noble rot" that reduces grapes' water content while leaving the sugar intact. When harvested and processed, these grapes yield a concentrated and intensively sweet juice. When you buy Botrytis dessert wine, you get a highly prized and distinctive golden wine.

Instructions

1. Locate a local wine store or look online for wine sellers who carry Botrytis dessert wine.

2. Pick your bouquet. Many different types of grapes can become complex and flavorful Botrytis dessert wines. When you set out to buy Botrytis dessert wine, you may go home with Tokaji Aszu from Hungary, Beerenauslese or Trockenbeerenauslese from Germany, Anjou moulleux, sweet Vouvray, Sauternes, Quarts du Chaume, Rochefort or Bonnezeaux from France or Amarone or Recioto di Valpolicella from Italy. The complex combinations of colors, flavors, consistency, alcohol content and degree of dryness or sweetness can vary considerably, depending on the wine you select.

3. Look for a Botrytis dessert wine that fits your price range as well as your palate. The specialized conditions required for noble rot to occur make Botrytis dessert wine a rare and expensive delicacy. Because of the risks involved, relatively few wine makers produce Botrytis wines, so prices can be higher than some other dessert wines.

4. Store and chill Botrytis dessert wine as appropriate for the type that you purchased. Ask your wine store for advice on storing opened and unopened bottles. Remember that some vintages should not be cellared.

5. Enjoy Botrytis wine with dessert or as dessert.