Article: Touch of noble rot


New Straits Times
01-15-2006
Touch of noble rot
Edition: New Sunday Times

Q: CAN you explain what is Botrytis?

A: Botrytis cinerea can be a vintner's best friend by concentrating sugar, aromas and acidity in the grapes to make great wines like Sauternes or Tokaj. Or, in its "bad" form, the grey rot, in just a few days it can ruin the ability of the grapes to produce great wines, especially during the rainy days of fall.
Botrytis is a fungus and like any other fungus, it needs humidity and heat to grow. It therefore grows best during those foggy fall mornings that are followed by warm days.

The fungus desiccates the grapes by piercing the skin and soaking up the water, much like a sponge. ...

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