Which wine style is associated with late harvest grapes?

The wine style associated with late harvest grapes is botrytis-affected wine. Late harvest grapes are typically left on the vine longer than usual, allowing them to develop higher sugar levels and, in some cases, to be affected by a specific fungus known as Botrytis cinerea, or noble rot. This fungus can concentrate the sugars and flavors in the grapes while also imparting unique characteristics, such as honeyed notes and complexity to the wine.

Wines made from botrytis-affected grapes are often sweeter and have a rich, luscious mouthfeel, making them highly sought after for dessert wines. The unique process of the grapes being affected by botrytis creates a distinctive style that is celebrated in regions known for their sweet wines, such as Sauternes in France and certain areas in Germany.

In contrast, other wine styles, such as dry red wines, sparkling wines, and fortified wines, do not primarily rely on the late harvest grape concept or the influence of noble rot to define their characteristics. Dry red wines typically focus on the varietal character of the grapes harvested at optimal ripeness. Sparkling wines often include a blend of various grapes and are not specifically tied to late harvest techniques. Fortified wines involve the addition of spirits