What is Yield?
The amount of grapes or wine produced per vineyard area, affecting concentration and quality.
Understanding Yield
Yield measures vineyard productivity, typically in tons per acre or hectoliters per hectare. Lower yields generally produce more concentrated, flavorful grapes because the vine's energy goes into fewer clusters. Many appellations legally limit yields to maintain quality. However, extremely low yields don't guarantee quality—there's a balance point where vines are stressed but still healthy. Yield is one factor among many affecting wine quality.
Why It Matters
Yields affect wine concentration and often price. Understanding yields helps explain why some wines cost more—lower yields mean less wine from the same vineyard.
Examples
- 1Grand Cru Burgundy limits yields to about 2 tons/acre
- 2High-volume production may yield 8+ tons/acre
- 3Old vines naturally produce lower yields
Related Wine Terms
Quick Definition
"The amount of grapes or wine produced per vineyard area, affecting concentration and quality."
Explore More Wine Terms
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The complete natural environment in which a wine is produced, including soil, climate, and topography.
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Grapevines of significant age (typically 35-50+ years) that produce concentrated, complex wines.
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Techniques for managing vine leaves and shoots to optimize grape ripening.
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