The term vintage is used to designate the year in which a wine or harvest is produced.More specifically, it indicates the year in which the grapes used to produce the wine were harvested.
Burgundy wines are known for their sensitivity to vintage variations, meaning that each year produces wines with different characteristics. This sensitivity is due to the changing climatic conditions from one year to the next, which influence the ripening of the grapes and, consequently, the aromatic profile, structure and quality of the wine.
Burgundy winegrowers therefore attach great importance to the year of production, the so- called vintage, when describing their wines, as this gives an indication of the style and quality of the wine in bottle. For example, a warm year can produce richer, more concentrated wines, while a cooler year can produce more delicate, elegant wines.
Burgundy wine connoisseurs often pay particular attention to vintages when choosing or tasting these wines.
It's difficult to pinpoint the best Burgundy vintages,because this can vary according to specific regions, appellations and even individual wine style preferences. However, certain vintages are generally considered exceptional in Burgundy. For example, the vintage 2019 is often praised for the exceptional quality of its white and red wines, with a fine concentration of fruit and balanced acidity.
Beware, however, of being guided solely by the years, as some producers may have succeeded in producing exceptional wines even in years considered more difficult. So it's always a good idea to taste different wines to discover your personal preferences.
