The importance of the vintage

The vintage — the year the grapes were harvested — varies because weather varies. A warm, dry summer followed by moderate rain in autumn creates excellent conditions: grapes ripen evenly with high sugar content and preserved acidity. A rainy harvest dilutes the grape juice and increases the risk of grey mould (Botrytis cinerea), lowering quality unless carefully managed. Extreme heat, on the other hand, can lead to rapid ripening and flat, alcohol-heavy wines with low acidity. In stable climates like Australia's Barossa Valley, vintages vary little. In marginal climates such as Bordeaux or Burgundy, the difference between a great and a poor vintage can be decisive for a wine's ageing potential and price level.