Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/859549
28 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } AUGUST/SEPTEMBER { getting geeky } WHICH GRAPE VARIETY GROWS HERE? Which styles of wine are produced? What is the minimum alcohol level. Which trellising system is required? How long must the wine age before release? I have been diligently studying for my Master Sommelier theory exam, and as I near the exam date, it's back to basics—vintages! Of course, it is not basics, as vintage variation is hugely important when moving from one vintage of a wine into another. Many times, the "same wine" will change dramatically with a different food pairing, or will not astound a customer's palate the way it did yours when you purchased the vintage. It is a subject, though, that I have overlooked recently, so I thought I would re-examine the best vintages in major wine regions over the last few decades. Let's focus on the Old World; vintage variation matters in the New World to, but not to the degree as in the Old World. France seems to possess the most finicky climate, as well as boasting many top regions, so we'll explore the country in detail. In addition, we'll cover the iconic regions of the surrounding countries. The exceptional vintages are in bold, except for Port, since Port vintages are declared only in exceptional years. EXAMINING VINTAGE VARIATION by Allyson Gorsuch A vineyard in Bordeaux experiences a devastating frost. Back to Basics PHOTO: ESPERANZA33 VIA THINKSTOCK Champagne: 2012, 2008, 2004, 2002, 2000, 1996, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1985, 1982 Burgundy: 2015, 2009, 2005, 2002, 1999, 1995, 1990, 1989, 1985, 1978, 1964, 1959, 1949 Bordeaux: 2015, 2010, 2009, 2005, 2000, 1996, 1995, 1990, 1989, 1985, 1982, 1971, 1970, 1966, 1962, 1961, 1959 Sauternes: 2015, 2014, 2011, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1995, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1986, 1980, 1976 Northern Rhône: 2015, 2013, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2006, 2005, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1995 Châteauneuf-du-Pape: 2016, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1998, 1995, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1985 Barolo: 2016, 2015, 2013, 2010, 2008, 2004, 2001, 2000, 1999, 1996, 1990, 1989, 1982, 1978 Brunello di Montalcino: 2016, 2013, 2010, 2007, 2006, 2004, 1999, 1994, 1990, 1988 Rioja/Ribera del Duero: 2016, 2015, 2010, 2009, 2004, 1998, 1996, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1986, 1982 Germany: 2015, 2012, 2011, 2009, 2005, 2001, 1997, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1985, 1983, 1976 Port: 2015 (likely), 2011, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2003, 2000, 1997, 1994, 1992, 1991, 1985, 1983, 1982, 1980, 1978, 1977, 1975, 1970, 1967, 1966, 1963, 1960