When it comes to wines famous for Botrytis, there are a few regions that stand out. One of the most well-known is the Sauternes region in Bordeaux, France. Sauternes wines are made from grapes affected by Botrytis, also known as noble rot. This fungus dehydrates the grapes, concentrating their sugars and flavors, resulting in a unique and highly prized sweet wine.
Some of the most famous Sauternes wines include Château d'Yquem, a legendary producer known for producing exceptional and long-lived sweet wines. Other notable Sauternes producers include Château Rieussec, Château Suduiraut, and Château Coutet.
Another region renowned for Botrytis-affected wines is the Tokaj region in Hungary. Tokaji wines are made from grapes affected by a similar noble rot, known as Aszú. These wines have a long history and were even mentioned in the works of famous writers like Voltaire and Thomas Jefferson. The sweetness of Tokaji wines can vary, ranging from dry to extremely sweet, depending on the level of Botrytis influence.
In Germany, the Rheingau and Mosel regions are known for producing Botrytis-affected wines, particularly Riesling. The German term for noble rot is “Edelfäule,” and it contributes to the exquisite sweetness and complexity of these wines. Some renowned German producers of Botrytis-affected wines include Joh. Jos. Prüm, Dr. Loosen, and Schloss Johannisberg.
Botrytis-affected wines are also produced in other parts of the world, such as Australia, the United States, and Austria. In Australia, the Rutherglen region is known for its luscious, fortified wines made from Botrytis-affected grapes. These wines, known as “sticky” wines, are rich and full-bodied.
In the United States, the Finger Lakes region in New York and the Napa Valley in California produce Botrytis-affected wines. In the Finger Lakes, Riesling is the dominant grape variety for these wines, while in Napa Valley, late-harvest Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon are commonly used.
Austria's Burgenland region is famous for its sweet wines affected by Botrytis, known as “Trockenbeerenauslese” or TBA. These wines are made from individually selected, shriveled grapes and are highly concentrated and sweet.
Wines famous for Botrytis include Sauternes from Bordeaux, Tokaji from Hungary, Riesling from Germany, fortified wines from Rutherglen in Australia, late-harvest wines from the Finger Lakes and Napa Valley in the United States, and Trockenbeerenauslese from Austria's Burgenland region. Each of these regions and their respective wines offer unique and exquisite expressions of the Botrytis-affected style.