old vine wines

[traveler]

I am not sure if I am even using the right terminology, but could someone tell me the difference between old vine and new vine wines?

[wondersofwine]

Welcome to the board. Some of the board experts may flesh out my answer. "Old" is defined differently by different vintners but normally would mean vines planted at least 25 or 30 years ago and can mean 70, 80 or more years. Older vines tend to produce fewer grape clusters but the smaller crop gets nourishment and access to sun for ripening that overcrowded grapes don't get. The roots will extend further also which may bring in additional elements in the grape's flavor. I find a richness in the expression of old vine zinfandels and red burgundies that is missing in younger vineyards.

[Innkeeper]

WOW is right on in her description of old vines. Another that you will see in advertising and label descriptions is Old Vine Grenache or Garnacha as they say in Spain. I'm quite partial to those.

There is also a difference between new vines and mature vines. Wines made from new vines tend to taste green as you may imagine. Vinters handle this in different ways. Newer wineries buy grapes from others until their vines mature. Established wineries use their newer vines for blends and lighter wines such as rose's.