noble rot grapes

I would like to find printed source material (either on line, or published) describing what specific white wine grapes are suitable candidates for noble rot, and what characteristics makes those grapes suitable, while others are not.

Can anyone point me in that direction?

Regards Jeff

Reply to
hunter
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Don't know your specific location, but asking local growers and your local agricultural agency would be the places most likely to give you valuable information about how to promote and effectively manage noble rot in your area. Printed material generally describe the process in the French vineyards.

Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling are often used in botrytised wines. Tight clustered varieties are more succeptible to bunch rot since they hold more humidity around the grapes and that in order to "salvage" the infected grapes, there must be a fair amount of drying. I've never heard of noble rot being used on non vinifera or french hybrid types, but I don't see why it couldn't be done.

I know that some vineyards in California innoculate botrytis, but the fungus is present pretty much everywhere. I would never try this in a high humidity area since it would most likely result in bunch rot. Like so often in winemaking, terroir is very important when it comes to noble rot.

There is a high risk factor when dealing with noble rot. You're never far away from bunch rot. Promoting noble rot means to stop spraying fairly early in the season. But if you are well aware of your specific local conditions you could manage it fairly well. In any case, there will be a significant yield reduction and, if you want to do things right, a lot of manual labor to sort the grapes. These wines do not sell at a premium for nothing.

Stefan Mazur

Reply to
smazur

Thanks for the reply. Actually, I should clarify. I am not promoting noble rot in my area. I've written an article on it which pretty well covers the comments below, but need to confirm my data and tie up some loose ends before submitting it for publication.

Regards Jeff

Reply to
hunter

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