Vendanges tardives, sélection de grains nobles

The terms “vendanges tardives” (late harvest) and “sélection de grains nobles” designate wines made from grapes harvested overripe, with a minimum sugar content set by the specification.

For sélection de grains nobles, the grapes are picked in successive passes, often concentrated by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea). These wines are generally medium sweet or sweet.

In Alsace, both terms are reserved for gewurztraminer, pinot gris, riesling and the muscats. Jurançon and Gaillac also use the term “vendanges tardives”.