Definition: Late harvest (VT)

A term applied, according to the legislation of the producing country, to wines made from noble grape varieties harvested late in the season when overripe, having naturally reached very high alcohol levels. This production is generally subject to rigorous controls before and after harvesting. In Alsace, this designation applies to wines with a minimum sugar content of 220 g/l for Riesling and Muscat, and 243 g/l for Gewurztraminer and Pinot Gris. Such wines are best enjoyed on their own, with foie gras or certain dishes with strong, complex flavours, as well as with certain desserts. See Auslese, Beerenauslese, sélection de grains nobles, Eiswein.