These exceptional wines, often considered as "essences" on account of their extraordinary richness, are the nectars of Alsace. Several conditions need to be fulfilled, that cannot always be guaranteed, in order to produce them: an exceptional terroir, old vines, perfectly ripe grapes, and morning mists followed by plenty of sunshine in order to encourage the development of noble rot. The "roasted" berries affected by this noble rot (botrytis cinerea) are then meticulously harvested, one by one, in a series of selective rounds of picking. They are then vinified with the utmost care. The resulting nectar offers a unique complexity and finesse. The levels of sugar obtained in Alsace for the SGNs ("Séléctions de Grains Nobles") are often higher than those in Sauternes. Rare and sought after, they can be recognized by their exceptionally rich, ripe, concentrated, complex bouquet. Sumptuous flavours of honey, peaches and hints of spice place them among the finest dessert wines in the world. Furthermore they have an almost unlimited longevity.