French term (also "Récolte tardive") for wines made from late-harvest, fully ripe grapes that may already be roséed. In France, it is reserved exclusively for Alsace, where it is used in the Alsace and Alsace Grand Cru appellations. However, the appellation is also used in Italy, for example in the Aosta Valley. However, the degree of sweetness cannot be derived from it; the range extends from dry to sweet. In German, this corresponds to Spätlese. See also under Moût partiellement fermenté.
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Dr. Christa Hanten
Fachjournalistin, Lektorin und Verkosterin, Wien