Introductory Sommelier Practice Test

Noble rot is produced by which mold?

Aspergillus niger Botrytis cinerea Penicillium roqueforti Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Correct Answer:

Botrytis cinerea

Explanation:

Noble rot is caused by Botrytis cinerea. This mold infects ripe grapes under specific cool, humid conditions, penetrating the grape skins and drying out the berries. As the water evaporates, sugars, acids, and compounds that develop flavor become highly concentrated, producing the rich, intensely sweet wines associated with noble rot, such as Sauternes. Other organisms listed aren’t responsible for noble rot. Aspergillus niger is a mold that can spoil fruit and isn’t the mold behind noble rot; Penicillium roqueforti is used to age blue cheeses; Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a yeast that ferments sugars into alcohol and isn’t the mold that rot forms on grapes.

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