Wines By Year
Wines may be classified by the year in which the grapes are harvested, known as the `vintage`. `Vintage wines` are made from grapes of a single year`s harvest, and are accordingly dated. Some wines can improve in flavor as they age, and wine enthusiasts will occasionally save bottles of an especially good vintage wine for future consumption.
Most countries allow a vintage wine to include a portion of wine that is not from the labeled vintage. In Chile and South Africa, the requirement is 75 percent. In Australia, New Zealand, and the member states of the European Union the requirement is 85 percent. In the United States the requirement is 95 percent same-year content for vintage-dated wine. In theory, the 95 percent rule in the United States applies equally to foreign imports, but there are obvious challenges in enforcing the regulation.
For some types of wine, the best-quality grapes and the most care in wine-making are employed on vintage wines and they are therefore more expensive than non-vintage wines. Whilst vintage wines are generally made in a single batch so that each and every bottle will have a similar taste, climatic factors can have a dramatic impact on the character of a wine to the extent that different vintages from the same vineyard can vary dramatically in flavor and quality. Thus, vintage wines are produced to be individually characteristic of the vintage and to serve as the flagship wines of the producer. Non-vintage wines, however, are blended from a number of vintages for consistency, this allows wine makers to keep a reliable market image and also maintain sales even in bad vintage years.
Superior vintages, from reputable producers and regions, will often fetch much higher prices than their average vintages. Some vintage wines are only made in better-than-average years. Conversely, wines such as White Zinfandel, which do not age well, are made to be drunk immediately and may not be labeled with a vintage year. There are exceptions though. French Champagne is often non-vintage, but still expensive. It can sometimes profit from aging 2-3 years and some Prestige Cuvées even much longer.
There is some disagreement and research about the significance of vintage year to wine quality.
This article is based entirely or in part on the
Wines By Year wikipedia article
and is licenced under the terms of the
GNU Free Documentation Licence.
Contact
If we can be of any assistance please don't hesitate to contact us, or drop by the Rose & Crown during business hours:
email: roseandcrown@alderney.ws
phone: +44 (0) 1481 823414
fax: +44 (0) 1481 823615
The Rose & Crown Hotel
Le Huret,
Alderney
UK Channel Islands
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Please note that we cannot deliver off-island.
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In this categoryAmeztoi 2001, Bodegas Valderroa
A fragrant, light, dry white with whitecurrant fruit, crisp acidity and distinct petillance on the palate. Excellent with shellfish and indeed all fish dishes. [read on...]
A B V: 10.5% Vintage: 2001 Color: Country: Spain Code: 52763
Angel Tears Sauvignon Blanc 2008
This is a new addition to the Angel Tears range. A delicious zesty Sauvignon Blanc with crisp juicy flavour and a fresh fruity finish. [read on...]
A B V: 13.5% Vintage: 2008 Color: white Country: South Africa Region: Western Cape Code: 69697
Anjou Blanc, Sous la Tonnelle 2008
'Sous la Tonnelle' means 'Below the Rainbow' an apt 'Cuvee'name. Blended 80% Chenin Blanc and 20% Chardonnay, the qualities and characters of these two grapes compliment one another perfectly. Big lively fruit with a healthy mixture of white peaches, apricots, pears and mango, and delicious crispness to compliment. [read on...]
A B V: 12.5% Vintage: 2008 Color: white Country: France Region: Loire-Atlantique Code: 72094
Anjou Rouge La Cerisaie 2007
This is one of the best red Anjou wines from the Loire, that we have come across in recent years. The Cabernet Franc grapes were hand picked when they were super ripe producing deep garnet, purple wine, expressive bouquet with strong nuances of blackcurrants, blackberries and black cherries with a touch of chocolate. All of which follows on to the palate with powerful fruit. [read on...]
A B V: 13% Vintage: 2007 Color: red Country: France Region: Loire Code: 72138
Araucano Cabernet Sauvignon 2006
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the best adapted grape varieties to the cool climate of Colchagua, Central Valley, Chile. The grapes undergo a long maceration on the skins and the resultant wine is briefly matured in oak casks. The result - a classic Cabernet with aromas of spices and mint with good eight on the palate and sufficient structure to enjoy now and keep for 3-5 years. [read on...]
A B V: 14.5% Vintage: 2006 Color: red Country: Argentina Code: 70574
Araucano Carmenere Rosado 2005
The Carmeniere grape was only recently rediscovered in Chile, and bears a resemblance to Merlot. It is the first Carmeniere rosé to be introduced into the Channel Islands. It has a brilliant rosé colour, and very fruity aromas of red berries. The flavour has a delicious crisp freshness with redcurrants and blackcurrants. A mouthwatering rosé, encourages a second
glass and more! [read on...]
A B V: 13.5% Vintage: 2005 Color: rose Country: Chile Region: Valparaiso Code: 65979
Araucano Chardonnay 2006
A careful blend of partly barrel-fermented wine and partial malolactic fermentation to create a complex wine half way between a New World style CHardonnay and a classic Chablis. [read on...]
A B V: 13% Vintage: 2006 Color: unspecifie Country: Chile Code: 66195
Araucano Sauvignon Blanc 2008
From the Casablanca region in Chile, this Sauvignon Blanc has tropical fruit aromas of mango and lychee. A richly flavoured wine that gives great pleasure now established as a firm favourite. [read on...]
A B V: 13.5% Vintage: 2008 Color: white Country: Chile Code: 72972
Ardeche Sauvignon Chardonnay VDP 3L Box
Harvested Early and at the cool time of the day to preserve freshness and aroma. [read on...]
A B V: 13% Vintage: non-vintag Color: unspecifie Country: France Region: Ardeche Code: 63701
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