It takes three years for the first grapes to appear on the vines but it takes between six and twelve years to produce a decent wine. If the ideal age of a vine is located around 20 years, the plant is considered “old” beyond 25 years. The older the vines get, the deeper their roots go into the soil. In this way, they draw on elements that later end up in the fruit. These are sometimes smaller but their skins are full of tannins. The wines have more structure, aromatic complexity and a quality that makes for great vintage. Some vines can reach over 100 years old.