What does 'late harvest wine' imply?

'Late harvest wine' refers to a style of wine made from grapes that are intentionally left on the vine longer than usual. This extended hangtime allows the grapes to fully ripen, resulting in higher sugar concentrations and more developed flavors. The later harvest often leads to wines that exhibit rich, complex sweetness and additional layers of flavor, often enjoyed in dessert wines.

The process of creating late harvest wines typically involves the natural increase of sugars as the grapes dehydrate slightly on the vine, allowing for the potential for high sugar levels in the finished wine. This characteristic is essential for producing sweet wines, making late harvest wines popular among those who enjoy dessert-style wines.

The other options do not accurately describe what 'late harvest wine' signifies. While early harvesting preserves acidity, lower fermentation temperatures, and sourcing from cooler climates can influence various aspects of wine production, they are not applicable to the concept of late harvest.