Now that October has arrived, the harvest season in the Northern Hemisphere is well underway.

Over the years, the start of the harvest has steadily moved earlier in the calendar. This is largely attributed to climate change, as rising average temperatures accelerate the ripening process of the grapes. However, this is not necessarily a positive development. Grapes need a certain amount of time to mature properly, and more often than not, slow and steady ripening produces the best results.

But why is there always so much discussion about vintages?

In the past, when knowledge of viticulture and winemaking techniques was less advanced, wine producers lacked many of the scientific tools and practical insights needed to fully understand and work with their raw materials. As a result, annual variations in weather conditions were more clearly reflected in the wines. Cooler and wetter years tended to produce wines with certain characteristics, while warmer and drier years resulted in different styles and qualities. With increased knowledge and technological advances, winemakers have become much better at managing the challenges posed by varying weather conditions. That does not mean they can overcome the forces of nature every time they reveal their full power. Generally speaking, however, the quality of winemaking has improved significantly, creating greater consistency between vintages. Differences from one vintage to another are therefore often less pronounced today than they were several decades ago.

Vintage charts can easily be found online and provide useful information about how different vintages have performed over the years. These charts often also offer guidance on the optimal drinking window for a wine. For example, they may suggest that a 2012 Sauternes is currently at an excellent stage for drinking.

Vintage charts can be found, for example, at: Wine Spectator  and  The Wine Enthusiast .

                 Enjoy!

Berglind Helgadóttir DipWSET
Wine expert