The term ‘vintage’ in relation to wine refers to the specific year when the grapes used in the wine were picked. This year of harvest is typically indicated on the wine label, sometimes on a secondary label located on the neck, enabling wine producers to utilise the same primary label annually. The freshly harvested grapes require a few months to develop into wine, and some types may undergo an additional maturation period of more than two years prior to bottling and release.
Grape harvests occur at varying times across the globe, from August to October in the northern hemisphere, and from February to April in the southern hemisphere. There are certain wines like Champagne, Sherry, and Port, which are commonly produced using wines from multiple vintages. These kinds of wine usually lack a specified year on their labels, with some labeled ‘N.V.’ for non-vintage. This absence of a vintage doesn’t indicate a lower quality, as many top-rated wines are expertly blended from a variety of vintages.
Historically, the quality of the wine could change significantly from one year to another and hence, knowing the year of production was crucial. However, due to the advancements in grape cultivation and winemaking methods, the quality of most wines nowadays deviates minimally from year to year, making the vintage less relevant for casual wine drinkers.
The vintage becomes significant for the select, premium wines where the concentration of fruit and tannin levels, which contribute to their ability to age, can vary. Enthusiasts, investors, and serious collectors place great importance on vintage and will meticulously study vintage reports before making purchases for their private collections.