Late harvest wine
Late Harvest Wine
Late harvest wine (pronunciation: /leɪt 'hɑ:rvɪst waɪn/) is a type of wine made from grapes left on the vine longer than usual. The term "late harvest" is derived from the practice of harvesting grapes later in the season to increase their sugar content.
Etymology
The term "late harvest" comes from the English words "late" (Old English 'læt') and "harvest" (Old English 'hærfest'). The term refers to the practice of leaving grapes on the vine for a longer period of time, allowing them to develop higher sugar content and often noble rot, which contributes to the unique flavor profile of these wines.
Production
Late harvest wines are typically produced from grapes that have been left on the vine after the regular harvest period. This allows the grapes to dehydrate, concentrating the sugars and flavors. The most common grape varieties used for late harvest wines include Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Sémillon. The production process is labor-intensive, as the grapes must be hand-picked to ensure only the ripest are selected.
Characteristics
Late harvest wines are known for their rich, sweet, and complex flavors. They often have a higher alcohol content than other wines due to the increased sugar content in the grapes. The flavor profile can include notes of honey, dried fruit, and spices, and the wines are often balanced with a good level of acidity.
Pairing
Late harvest wines are often served with dessert or cheese, as the sweetness of the wine complements these foods well. They can also be enjoyed on their own as a dessert wine.
Related Terms
- Dessert wine: A sweet wine typically served with dessert.
- Noble rot: A beneficial fungus that can affect grapes, increasing their sugar content.
- Sauternes: A French sweet wine made from Sémillon, Sauvignon blanc, and Muscadelle grapes that have been affected by noble rot.
- Ice wine: A type of dessert wine produced from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Late harvest wine
- Wikipedia's article - Late harvest wine
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