Wines and Weather

The latest Wine Spectator Vintage Chart arrived recently as the first snow of winter was accumulating in my front yard. Given that we had a few feet of snow by this time last year, the flakes reminded me of how the weather changes from year to year.

Annual weather variations also affect wine grapes, hence the difference in wine vintages. A wine’s vintage represents the year that the grapes were harvested. Vintage charts such as the one from Wine Spectator score each year for each region. The ratings reflect how a given year’s wine from a specific region might taste and whether it can evolve further. There is usually a suggestion whether to drink the wine now, let it age, or if the wine is past its peak.

Weather conditions such as an early spring frost, a wet and cloudy growing season, scorching heat in the summer, or hail can affect the grapes. The good news is that modern technology and improved weather forecasting allow a certain amount of planning to mitigate the vagaries of weather. Harvest dates can be chosen prior to a rain. Frost can be averted by using methods such as a wind machine that directs warmer air to lower levels close to the vines. Irrigation can be used in drought times and netting can protect grapes from hail.

Still, the climate in each wine region differs. Some believe that vintage is insignificant in California due to that state’s mild, predicable weather and abundance of sunshine. Bordeaux’s vintages take on greater significance because the maritime location brings with it a risk of heavy rain close to harvest. As any wine collector knows, Bordeaux’s weather variations can make or break the price of a vintage.

The fact that wines differ from year to year is one of the things that make them interesting. The majority of wine is made to be consumed soon after its release. If you are buying a wine to drink now, don’t worry too much about the vintage—just enjoy the wine. If you’re buying a bottle to save, check out a vintage chart, but keep in mind that these charts are guidelines and wines within a region can vary. Consulting your favorite wine retailer to find the best wines for aging will also prove helpful.

Tags: Bordeaux