So what is Vintage Dating?

We have made the decision to vintage date a few of our select varietals to showcase the respective seasons in which they are harvested. This gives you a deeper connection with each wine’s vintage.  

When referring to a wine’s vintage, we are referencing the year in which the grapes were harvested; grapes harvested this year will be labeled 2022 vintage.  

Grapes are greatly impacted by weather; the vine’s overall health is dependent on so many variables as well as the grape clusters, which are greatly affected by sunlight, heat, cold, too little rain, or even too much rain. Especially in Missouri where we can experience all four seasons in one week (oh hello 70 degrees in March!).  

Some seasons and conditions of note that can change impact a wine’s quality:  

• Spring frosts are often common in our area and can destroy an entire crop with one single frost. While this is extremely rare, it can stress the vine and cause damage that is not seen until the following year. The most common damage will cause a reduction in crop size and decrease the growing days available, plant health, and may cause secondary bud growth. This leads to less mature grapes that can have increased tannins and acidity with less complex flavors.   
• Summer rains can cause diseases, but extended periods of drought can cause the vines to halt the ripening of the fruit and hurt the overall health of the plant.  
• Fall rains can swell grapes at harvest time, causing a loss of sugar concentration and may cause rot. Colder weather can slow the grapes from ripening as well.   

Even after the grapes are harvested, the vines are not out of the clear. The vines need to lignify (naturally harden), which is done by the weather cooling off gradually in the fall. If a frost occurs while the vines are still green, it can cause excess death to the plant which requires more energy next year and possible regrowth to the fruiting zone.  

The biggest thing to take away is how much weather naturally affects the vintage of a wine and its potential quality but it also gives us the ability to create a bond, a story, and better yet a memory around Adam Puchta Wines that are shared with friends.  

Vintage Dating coming soon!

Customers will be able to find 2021 vintage information on our Vidal Blanc, Chardonnel, Situation Red (Chambourcin), and Traminette varietals following their respective 2022 bottlings.   

Purchase any of these delicious varietals by clicking here.