In this blog post, we delve into the world of vintage change and discover why it is of particular interest to wine lovers and connoisseurs alike.
The influence of climate and nature
The vintage change in wine starts with nature. The climate of a given year has a huge impact on the ripeness and quality of the grapes. A sunny and warm year can lead to optimal ripening, while a cool and rainy year can lead to a longer growing season. These variations in climate are reflected in the grapes and ultimately affect the taste and aroma of the wine.
The soil in which the vines grow also has an important influence on vintage changes. Different minerals and nutrients in the soil can affect the wine in subtle but significant ways. The terroir shapes the character of each wine and gives it a unique identity. A vintage can show how these elements change over time and affect the wine.
The Art of the Winemaker
The winemaker plays a crucial role in the change of vintage, whether in the vineyard during the harvest or in the wine cellar.
Each year, he has to make important decisions at harvest time, such as when to harvest or which grapes to choose. These decisions can significantly affect the balance between acidity, sugar and aromas, as well as the overall quality of the wine.
Decisions also have to be made in the wine cellar, because as soon as the grapes land there, development begins. Fermentation begins and chemical processes unfold the rich palette of aromas that make a wine so unique. Each vintage requires individual attention and care to reach its full potential. Some wines blossom early, while others take decades to reveal their full splendor. An experienced winemaker therefore knows how to use the peculiarities of each vintage and get the best out of the grapes.
Specifically, the aromas of most wines change over time, from youthful freshness and fruitiness to ripeness and complexity. The fruit notes can transform into earthy tones, spicy accents or subtle mineral undertones. This change is the result of reactions inside the bottle and in contact with the wood of the barrels. Tasting an older vintage is like opening a time capsule that captures the soul of a particular year.
Wines from particularly good vintages can also have a higher collector's value. Because they are considered excellent, they tend to increase in value over time.
Horizontal vs. Vertical Tasting
Horizontal and vertical wine tasting are two different ways to taste wines. Both approaches offer a deeper understanding of the influences of time and origin on the taste and quality of wines.
A vertical wine tasting refers to tasting different vintages of the same wine from a single winery. This allows you to follow the evolution of the wine over the years and identify changes in aromas, structure and character. It is a great way to understand the impact of weather conditions, cultivation and production techniques on the wine.
A horizontal wine tasting, on the other hand, involves tasting wines from the same winery or grape variety / vintage, but sometimes from different wineries. This allows a direct comparison of the styles and interpretations of different winemakers, as well as the different terroirs in which the grapes are grown. This highlights the diversity and nuances within a grape variety and vintage.
2022 vintage in Germany
It is common practice in the wine industry to refer to a particular vintage in connection with a particular region, such as the “2022 vintage from Württemberg”. This provides information about the origin and harvest year of the vintage.
This is due, among other things, to the fact that the climate and weather conditions have a significant influence on the ripeness of the grape. The warmer and sunnier the year, the riper and more intense the grapes can be. The fact that the respective region is also mentioned is because the combination of regional terroir and climatic conditions can be understood. In 2022, for example, it was a very warm and dry year in Württemberg - this is also reflected in the wine. Discover now...
Conclusion
Wine vintage change is a fascinating process that embodies the connection between nature, culture and craftsmanship. Each vintage of wine tells a unique story to be explored and appreciated. The magic of vintage change is revealed in the glass as we take a sip and experience the different nuances and facets of a particular year. Whether you are a passionate wine lover or a curious novice, vintage change offers an endless source of discovery and enjoyment.
