A fungal infection caused by Botrytis cinerea. Under the right conditions – damp, misty mornings followed by warm, sunny afternoons – Noble Rot a manifest, which leaves the grapes shrivelled, dehydrated, and thus rich in sugar and also unique Botrytis-derived flavours. It is an essential ingredient in Sauternes, Tokay and other sweet wines of Germany and Austria. Under the wrong conditions the result of infection is Grey Rot.