Sweet wines, also known as dessert wines, are famous for their rich, sugary flavors. But have you ever wondered how these wines get so sweet? The secret lies in the grapes—and a little help from a special kind of fungus.
It might sound unappetizing at first, but the process behind creating sweet wines is truly fascinating. Certain grapes are encouraged to develop a fungal infection called “Noble Rot” (scientifically known as *Botrytis cinerea*). This fungus works its magic by dehydrating the grapes, concentrating their sugars and flavors, and creating what many consider “liquid gold.”
The result? Intensely sweet and flavorful wines that pair perfectly with desserts or can be savored on their own. So next time you enjoy a glass of sweet wine, just remember—it’s all thanks to Noble Rot!
Marisa Fancy along with her husband and four children dreamt of moving “Up North”. They had vacationed for years in northern Michigan and in 1995 they finally made the move.