When first entering the field of wine, most people must have heard of the terms “Vintage” and “Non-Vintage”, and many people even subjectively believe that the quality of Vintage wine must be better than Non-Vintage wine. However, is this really the case?
Vintage Wine: The mark of time
Vintage Wine refers to wines that are harvested and brewed in a particular year. Usually, the vintage wine label will clearly mark the year to inform consumers of the characteristics and potential aging of the wine. For example, 2015 was an excellent year for Bordeaux, and ideal weather conditions made the bottles of that year full of rich and balanced flavors.
Knowing the vintage of the wine can help you choose a wine that suits your preferences, whether you want to find a wine that can be drunk now or a bottle that will develop more beautifully over time.
Here are some representative outstanding vintages:
Bordeaux 1982: Hailed as one of the greatest vintages in modern times, Bordeaux wines of this year have become a legend in the wine world with their luxury, elegance and profound characteristics. The masterpieces of famous wineries such as Château Lafite Rothschild and Château Margaux are still the darlings of auctions.
Burgundy 1990: For Pinot Noir and Chardonnay lovers, 1990 is a rare year. The works of wineries such as Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and Domaine Leroy show the unique charm of Burgundy terroir with their excellent concentration and balance.
Napa Valley 2001: This is an important milestone in the development of California wine. The wines of Napa Valley in this year show strong structure and excellent aging potential. The wines of wineries such as Screaming Eagle and Harlan Estate let the world witness the infinite possibilities of California wine.
The charm of vintage wine lies not only in its properties as a drink, but also in its cultural heritage and historical witness. Every bottle of vintage wine carries the story of that year, waiting for the destined person to savor it carefully.
Non-Vintage Wine: The Art of Brewing with Stable Flavor
Unlike Vintage Wine, Non-Vintage Wine is brewed from a blend of grapes from multiple years, and the specific year is not marked on the bottle. This brewing method aims to achieve a stable and consistent taste and flavor through the blending of grapes from different years, providing consumers with a reliable and stable drinking experience. In the field of champagne and sparkling wine, Non-Vintage occupies a pivotal position.
Because Non-Vintage Wine is usually mass-produced, its price is often more affordable, making it an excellent choice for daily drinking. Whether it is gathering with friends or enjoying leisure time alone, a bottle of Non-Vintage wine can add a bit of fun to life.
Vintage Wine VS Non-Vintage Wine: Which one is your favorite?
In general, if you focus on the collection value of wine, then Vintage Wine is definitely your first choice. However, when purchasing, in addition to paying close attention to the wine vintage table of the region, you also need to understand the local climate changes and terroir characteristics in different years. If you pay more attention to the stability and cost-effectiveness of daily drinking, Non-Vintage Wine is undoubtedly the best choice.
Whether it is Vintage Wine or Non-Vintage Wine, each bottle contains a unique charm and story. In the process of tasting wine, we are not only enjoying a drink, but also exploring the culture, history and lifestyle behind it. Therefore, when purchasing, you might as well put aside your prejudices and constraints, and try, explore, and taste the stories and flavors behind different types of wine with an open mind.
