Late Harvest
Beginner Wine Styles & TypesDefinition
Wine made from grapes picked later than normal to concentrate sugars.
In Depth
Late harvest wines range from mildly sweet to lusciously concentrated. The French term is Vendanges Tardives (Alsace). German Spätlese literally means 'late harvest.' Extended hang time increases sugar, reduces acidity, and concentrates flavors. Risk includes rain dilution and rot (though botrytis is desirable). Late harvest wines balance sweetness with acidity.
Details
- Category
- Wine Styles & Types
- Difficulty
- Beginner