The semi-continental climate of Alsace, with its very low rainfall and sunshine during the autumn, is favourable to the development of noble rot caused by a tiny fungus called “Botrytis cinerea”. Overripe harvests then take place several weeks after the official start of the harvest. The production criteria are very strict and can only concern the noble grape varieties: gewürztraminer, pinot gris, riesling, muscat. The wines obtained are powerful, full-bodied and mellow, with an ageing potential of 5 to 10 years. Their labels bear the obligatory VT (‘vendange tardive’ or late harvest) mention.