ancient vintages

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ancient vintages" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to old or historical wines, typically in the context of wine tasting, collecting, or discussing the quality of wines from previous years. Example: "The wine cellar was filled with ancient vintages that had been carefully preserved for decades."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science & Research

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Wine drinkers value ancient vintages.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Most of the early Semitic alphabetic signs were similarly derived from word signs of more ancient vintage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The origin of turducken lies in northern England and is of a far more ancient vintage than Paul Prudhomme.

The New York Times - Food

That's an ancient vintage, if you follow the current fashion calculus, and so kudos should accrue to Ms. Kessler for her canny eye.

The New York Times - Style

Driving through N. H., a man spotted near Newark, in a second-hand automobile lot, an old, black Ford of ancient vintage, a very old Model T. The management asked $250 for it and weren't very anxious to sell it at that, They make a comfortable income by renting it out, $20 a day.

The New Yorker

The 5,000-year-old 5,000-year-old 5,000-year-old earliest surviving example of a "built" boat, one constructed out of planks fitted together and representing a major advance in boat-building technology over the dugout logs and reed vessels of more ancient vintage.

The New York Times - Science

By Margaret Fishback and Russell Maloney The New Yorker, December 25 , 1937P. 9 Driving through N. H., a man spotted near Newark, in a second-hand automobile lot, an old, black Ford of ancient vintage, a very old Model T. The management asked $250 for it and weren't very anxious to sell it at that, They make a comfortable income by renting it out, $20 a day.

The New Yorker

If you are of an income and an inclination to command an ancient vintage of Barolo, you will find Valentino to be much as it ever was.

Los Angeles Times

Ea defies her dad by sabotaging the ancient 80s-vintage computer on which he devises all his pointlessly cruel earthquakes etc and sets up on her own.

The Guardian - Film

With its grand sweep, the new book, "History of the Ancient Southwest," is vintage Lekson, and there is no reason to think the book will be any less controversial than the meridian theory, which forms but one thread of the saga.

The New York Times - Science

In Tate Modern you can see powerful pulsing wine-red abstractions by Cy Twombly dedicated to the ancient god of the vintage.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a collection or selection of wines, use "ancient vintages" to convey a sense of history, rarity, and exceptional quality. For instance: "The cellar was filled with "ancient vintages" dating back to the 19th century."

Common error

Avoid using "ancient vintages" casually for any old wine. The phrase implies not just age, but also a degree of prestige, historical significance, and careful preservation. Using it for ordinary old wine can sound pretentious or inaccurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ancient vintages" functions as a noun phrase where "ancient" modifies "vintages". It describes wines that are both old and of high quality. As Ludwig AI states, it’s a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science & Research

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ancient vintages" correctly describes old, high-quality wines with historical significance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and suitable for use in writing. While not overly common, primarily appearing in news and media sources, its use is appropriate when conveying a sense of history and prestige, but avoid using it loosely for any old wine. Consider alternatives like "old wines" or "historic wines" to add nuance to your descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

old wines

Focuses on the age of the wines, a direct and simple alternative.

historic wines

Emphasizes the historical importance or significance of the wines.

aged wines

Highlights the aging process as a key characteristic.

vintage wines

Uses "vintage" as an adjective, slightly altering the original structure but maintaining the core meaning.

rare old wines

Adds an element of scarcity or exclusivity to the description.

time-honored wines

Emphasizes the tradition and long-standing reputation of the wines.

venerable wines

Implies respect and admiration due to the wines' age and quality.

long-aged wines

Similar to "aged wines" but with a stronger emphasis on the duration of aging.

antique wines

Draws a parallel to antique objects, emphasizing age and potential value.

wines of yesteryear

Poetic and evocative, suggesting wines from a bygone era.

FAQs

How can I use "ancient vintages" in a sentence?

You might say, "The sommelier presented a selection of "ancient vintages", each with a unique story to tell" or "Collecting "ancient vintages" requires patience and a deep understanding of wine history".

What are some alternatives to "ancient vintages"?

Consider using "old wines", "historic wines", or "aged wines" as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "vintage ancients" instead of "ancient vintages"?

While grammatically understandable, "vintage ancients" is not a common or idiomatic phrase. "Ancient vintages" is the more established and recognized expression when referring to old and valuable wines.

What makes a wine qualify as one of the "ancient vintages"?

The term generally implies that the wine is not only old but also of exceptional quality, possessing historical significance, and has been carefully preserved. It goes beyond mere age and suggests a wine with a rich story and provenance.