Phenolic content in wine the ellagic and gallic acid found in the wood. In the vineyards, there is also a growing distinction being made between "ripe" and "unripe" tannins present in the grape. This "physiological ripeness", which is roughly determined by tasting the grapes off the vines, is being used along with sugar levels as a determination of when to harvest. The idea is that "riper" tannins will taste softer but still impart some of the texture components found favorable in wine. In winemaking, the amount of the time that the must spends in contact with the grape skins, stems and seeds will influence
Late harvest wine Late harvest wine Late harvest wine is wine made from grapes left on the vine longer than usual. "Late harvest" is usually an indication of a sweet dessert wine, such as late harvest Riesling. Late harvest grapes are often more similar to raisins, but have been naturally dehydrated while on the vine. Botrytis cinerea, or "noble rot", is a mold that causes grapes to lose nearly all of their water content. Wines made from botrytis-affected grapes are generally very sweet. Botrytis cinerea is a fungus that affects many wine grapes and causes them to shrivel into moldy raisins. The fungus