What are Late-Harvest Wines?
Late-harvest wines are very popular among lovers of sweet wines. These wines are praised worldwide for their concentrated flavors and rich aromas. These special wines, often referred to as "late harvest" or "spätlese" in Germany, are the result of a careful and late harvest process, in which the grapes are left to ripen on the vine for longer than normal. This ensures a higher concentration of sugars and flavors, resulting in wines with a complex and intense character.
Late-harvest wines are made from grapes that are picked after the regular harvest season. By leaving the grapes on the vine longer, they are given the opportunity to develop more sugars and aromas. This process, often referred to as "over-ripening," results in grapes that are richer and sweeter than normal. The higher sugar concentration in the grapes provides the basis for the characteristic sweetness of late-harvest wines, while the natural acidity provides a refreshing balance.
The Harvest Process
Harvesting grapes for late harvest wines is a delicate process. The grapes are often picked by hand to ensure that only the best, fully ripe bunches are selected. In some cases, such as Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese in Germany, the grapes are even picked only after they have been affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), which contributes to the development of complex honeyed aromas and an even deeper sweetness.
Flavor Profile and Aromas
Late harvest wines are known for their rich, concentrated flavors and complex aromas. Depending on the grape variety and region, these wines can display notes of ripe peaches, apricots, honey, dried fruit, citrus, and exotic fruits like pineapple and mango. The sweetness of the wine is often balanced by lively acidity, which makes for a refreshing finish that doesn’t feel too heavy. This makes late harvest wines a perfect companion to desserts, cheeses, or even as a standalone finish to a meal.
Grape Varieties and Regions
Late harvest wines are produced in various wine regions around the world, with each region having its own unique style and grape varieties. In Germany and Austria, grapes such as Riesling are often used to make Spätlese wines, while in France, grapes such as Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc are used to make late harvest wines from the Sauternes region. In the New World, such as California and Australia, grapes such as Zinfandel and Chardonnay are used to produce late harvest wines.
Serving tips and food pairing
Late harvest wines are best served slightly chilled, usually around 10-12°C. They make an excellent match with a wide range of desserts, from fruity tarts to rich chocolate cakes and crème brûlée. They also pair well with blue cheeses such as Roquefort or Stilton, where the sweetness of the wine balances the saltiness of the cheese. For a surprising pairing, a late harvest wine can also be served with spicy Asian dishes, where the sweetness softens the spiciness and brings out the flavours of the dish.
Preservation and Aging
One of the unique characteristics of late harvest wines is their aging potential. Due to their high concentration of sugars and acids, these wines can be stored for decades, only becoming more complex with age. However, it is important to store them in the right conditions: a cool, dark place with a constant temperature is ideal. When stored correctly, late harvest wines can retain and even develop their rich flavors and aromas for decades.
Late-harvest wines are made from grapes that are picked after the regular harvest season. By leaving the grapes on the vine longer, they are given the opportunity to develop more sugars and aromas. This process, often referred to as "over-ripening," results in grapes that are richer and sweeter than normal. The higher sugar concentration in the grapes provides the basis for the characteristic sweetness of late-harvest wines, while the natural acidity provides a refreshing balance.
The Harvest Process
Harvesting grapes for late harvest wines is a delicate process. The grapes are often picked by hand to ensure that only the best, fully ripe bunches are selected. In some cases, such as Beerenauslese and Trockenbeerenauslese in Germany, the grapes are even picked only after they have been affected by noble rot (Botrytis cinerea), which contributes to the development of complex honeyed aromas and an even deeper sweetness.
Flavor Profile and Aromas
Late harvest wines are known for their rich, concentrated flavors and complex aromas. Depending on the grape variety and region, these wines can display notes of ripe peaches, apricots, honey, dried fruit, citrus, and exotic fruits like pineapple and mango. The sweetness of the wine is often balanced by lively acidity, which makes for a refreshing finish that doesn’t feel too heavy. This makes late harvest wines a perfect companion to desserts, cheeses, or even as a standalone finish to a meal.
Grape Varieties and Regions
Late harvest wines are produced in various wine regions around the world, with each region having its own unique style and grape varieties. In Germany and Austria, grapes such as Riesling are often used to make Spätlese wines, while in France, grapes such as Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc are used to make late harvest wines from the Sauternes region. In the New World, such as California and Australia, grapes such as Zinfandel and Chardonnay are used to produce late harvest wines.
Serving tips and food pairing
Late harvest wines are best served slightly chilled, usually around 10-12°C. They make an excellent match with a wide range of desserts, from fruity tarts to rich chocolate cakes and crème brûlée. They also pair well with blue cheeses such as Roquefort or Stilton, where the sweetness of the wine balances the saltiness of the cheese. For a surprising pairing, a late harvest wine can also be served with spicy Asian dishes, where the sweetness softens the spiciness and brings out the flavours of the dish.
Preservation and Aging
One of the unique characteristics of late harvest wines is their aging potential. Due to their high concentration of sugars and acids, these wines can be stored for decades, only becoming more complex with age. However, it is important to store them in the right conditions: a cool, dark place with a constant temperature is ideal. When stored correctly, late harvest wines can retain and even develop their rich flavors and aromas for decades.