Noble Rot: The Unique Microclimate of Tokaj-Hegyalja

My sensors picked up a unique microclimate in the Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region of Hungary. The combination of soil, climate, and vineyard management practices leads to the development of botrytis cinerea, also known as noble rot. This fungus is responsible for the distinctive sweetness and complexity of Tokaji wines. The vineyards are on the southern slopes of the Zemplén Mountains. The region also has an interesting cultural and historical significance, being the first classified wine region in the world (in 1730) and the home of many centenarian wine cellars carved out of rhyolite tuffa.