Selection de Grains Nobles

Definition - What does Selection de Grains Nobles mean?

In the eastern wine region of Alsace, France, most of the white wines made there are dry. The sweet styles, however, are made from specially, hand-selected grapes (grains). They are infected with noble rot which concentrates sugars and maintains the fruits' acidity. This selection is called Selection de Grains Nobles (SGN).

WineFrog explains Selection de Grains Nobles

Selection de Grains Nobles (SGN) is a selection of grapes, performed by hand, is the designated late harvest of Alsace, France.

As the region is located by the River Rhin on one side to the east, and the Vosges Mountain range to the west, it has ideal conditions for noble rot to occur.

The warm air from the river in early mornings mixed with the cool mountain air create a mist over the vineyards in the morning. The humidity which is blocked in by the mountains and warmed with the sun as the day goes on, create perfect conditions for noble rot (botrytis cinerea) to form.

The grapes which are infected are delicate and must be handled with care.

The wines made from the infected grapes of Riesling, Pinot Gris, Muscat or Gewurztraminer, are known for their honeyed character and can be found labeled as Alsace AOC or Alsace Grand Cru AOC.