Vintage

/VIN-tij/

🍷Winemaking 📊Business

The year grapes were harvested.

Full Definition

Vintage refers to the year in which grapes were harvested. Vintage dating requires minimum percentages (typically 85-100%) from that year. Non-vintage (NV) wines blend multiple years for consistency (common in Champagne and fortified wines). Vintage variation significantly impacts wine character in marginal climates.

Related Terms

harvest vintage variation non vintage

See Also

weather quality

Vino Nobile Back to Glossary Viscosity

More terms starting with V

Varietal

Wine named for its grape variety.

Vegetal

Aromas of vegetables or unripe grapes.

Velvety

Smooth, soft, luxurious texture like velvet.

Veraison

The onset of ripening when grapes change color.

Vertical Tasting

Comparing multiple vintages from one producer.

Vigor

The growth energy and vegetative power of a vine.