The article discusses the emerging trend of non-vintage wines amidst the challenges posed by climate change, particularly in Napa Valley, California. Winemaker Chris Howell of Cain Vineyards highlights that rising temperatures and extreme weather have made vintage consistency difficult, prompting a shift towards blending grapes from multiple years to create stable, high-quality wines.
This practice, though traditionally stigmatized, is gaining traction. Howell mentions the 2017 wildfires that threatened wine quality, reinforcing the need for such blends. While non-vintage wines are common in sparkling wines like Champagne, the growing unpredictability of harvest conditions has led producers in both the U.S. and Italy to consider multi-year blends.
Italian winemaker Ricardo Pasca has embraced this approach, blending five vintages to enhance his wines. He acknowledges the challenges faced by wineries due to extreme weather conditions in Italy.
Dawn Davies, a wine master, notes that consumer perceptions are slowly changing. Many casual wine drinkers focus less on vintage quality, while industry professionals appreciate the flexibility and consistency that non-vintage wines offer. The article emphasizes the necessity for both producers and consumers to adjust their views on wine quality, focusing on taste over traditional metrics like a single vintage.
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