The influence of the fungus Botrytis cinerea on the production of sweet wines

Abstract

The fungus Botrytis cinerea attacks grape berries with the so-called “noble rot”. After the rot attacks the grapes, it begins to dry gradually out. They have turned into shriveled balls covered in fluffy mold. This fungus naturally changes the ratio of water to sugar in the berry, making it an ideal base for creating sweet wines. The process of drying out the berry and increasing its juice concentration changes the metabolism of Botrytis mold and stabilizes its development.