Why are some vintages better than others?

What separates an outstanding vintage from a mediocre one comes down to weather patterns across the entire growing season — roughly March through October in the Northern Hemisphere. The ideal scenario is a mild, frost-free spring for even bud break, a warm and sunny summer with cool nights to preserve acidity, and a dry autumn that lets winemakers pick at the perfect moment.

Rain is the great disruptor. Too much moisture during flowering reduces fruit set. Rain near harvest dilutes flavours and invites rot. Conversely, drought stress in moderate doses actually benefits quality: vines that struggle slightly produce smaller, more concentrated berries. This explains why well-drained soils in Bordeaux's Médoc or the slopes of the Rhône Valley consistently deliver intensity.

Climate change is reshaping the vintage conversation. Harvests now start roughly two weeks earlier than in the 1980s across Europe. Recent years like 2018, 2019 and 2020 have been praised for ripe, generous wines, but winemakers worry about falling acidity levels and rising alcohol. Adaptation strategies include night-time picking, experimenting with heat-resistant varieties, and adjusting canopy management.

Vintage charts are helpful as a starting point, but they paint in broad strokes. A skilled winemaker can produce a gem in a difficult year, while carelessness can waste a perfect season. On expertvin.be we provide specific vintage commentary for each wine so you can buy with confidence.