How does late harvest affect the sugar content of grapes?

Late harvest refers to the process of allowing grapes to remain on the vine longer than usual, which typically leads to a number of significant changes in the grapes, most notably the sugar content. As grapes ripen, they accumulate sugars through photosynthesis, and the longer they stay on the vine, the more sugar they can develop. In addition to natural sugar development, late harvest conditions often allow for increased concentration of sugars due to factors such as desiccation, where water content decreases while sugar remains, and potential noble rot (Botrytis cinerea) in certain climates, which can also enhance sweetness.

The increase in sugar content is one of the hallmarks of late-harvest wines, contributing to their rich and luscious taste profile. This elevated sugar level is crucial for producing sweet wines, which are often sought after for their complexity and depth. Thus, the correct assertion regarding late harvest and sugar content is that it indeed increases the sugar content of grapes.