Which of the following grape varieties is often associated with producing dessert wines?

Sémillon is often associated with producing dessert wines due to its characteristics and the regions where it is grown. This grape variety is known for its ability to thrive in conditions that lead to noble rot, a beneficial fungal infection (Botrytis cinerea) that desiccates the grapes and concentrates their sugars and flavors.

One of the most notable examples is the production of Sauternes, a renowned sweet wine from the Bordeaux region of France, where Sémillon is a primary grape. In Sauternes, the grapes are harvested late in the season when they have been affected by noble rot, resulting in a luscious, honeyed profile that showcases rich fruit flavors and a balance of acidity, which is essential for a premium dessert wine.

While other grape varieties can be used to produce dessert wines, such as Riesling or Muscat, Sémillon is particularly celebrated for this purpose, establishing a strong association between the grape and decadent sweet wines. This makes it a prime choice in discussions about dessert wine production.