RELATIONSHIPS
What does old vine certification guarantee?: A comparative perspective
Read geography, grape resources, and production processes separately.
Certification
Vineyards over 35 years old and their planting dates.
Conservation
Carry vineyard and viticultural techniques forward.
Evaluation
Do not determine taste or quality solely by vine age.
This is a schematic diagram summarizing the main text. It does not represent production areas or quality rankings. Sources and reference materials
FIELD NOTE 01
Over 35 years and the year of planting
The Old Vine Project is an initiative that certifies vineyards planted over 35 years ago. The year displayed on the Certified Heritage Vineyards seal is the planting year, not the wine's vintage. By checking this together with the bottle's vintage, you learn the history of the vineyard material.
FIELD NOTE 02
System that preserves vineyards
One goal is to preserve old vineyards, supporting the skills and sustainable operations of those involved in cultivation. Beyond the mere existence of old vines, considering how they have been managed helps prevent certifications from becoming just a numbers contest.
FIELD NOTE 03
Do not jump to conclusions about taste
Certification does not universally indicate high scores, organic cultivation, or dry-farming. When comparing old-vine Chenin, also check region, vintage, yield, fermentation vessel, and lees aging. Recording vine age separately from wine evaluation allows for deeper appreciation.
This number indicates the planting year. The harvest year is separately confirmed on the vintage label of the bottle.
PAUSE & REFLECT
Check your understanding.
Do you read the number 1982 on the seal as the vintage?
Read the explanation ＋
This number indicates the planting year. The harvest year is separately confirmed on the vintage label of the bottle.
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Chenin Blanc: Understanding Harvest, Sweetness/Dryness, and Old Vine Labels →
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Sources and reference materials
These are the reference materials for the main text. For details of production regulations, consult the current documents. For individual wine specifications, refer to materials for the relevant vintage.
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