What occurs to vines as they age?

As vines age, they tend to produce fewer grapes, but these grapes often exhibit greater concentration and complexity in flavor. This is due to several factors related to the vine's maturity and the development of its root system, which allows older vines to access deeper soil layers and nutrients.

Over time, as a vine's physiology adjusts, it can become more efficient in its grape production. The lower yield of grapes from older vines typically results in more concentrated flavors because the plant focuses its energy on fewer clusters. This concentration can lead to more complex and interesting flavor profiles in the resulting wine, which is highly valued by winemakers.

Younger vines, on the other hand, may produce an abundance of fruit, but this can sometimes lead to dilution of flavor as the vine's resources are spread thinner. While older vines may face challenges in terms of declining yield, the quality of fruit they produce is often superior, making them prized in the vineyard.