What does "gobo" mean in sake terminology?

In sake terminology, "gobo" refers to the vintage or year of production of the sake. This term is significant because, just like in wine, the year of production can impact the flavor profile, quality, and overall character of the sake. Sake is often influenced by various factors such as the climate, temperature fluctuations, and rice harvest conditions during that particular year, making the vintage an essential aspect for consumers and producers alike.

Understanding the importance of the vintage helps in appreciating and evaluating different sakes, as the quality can vary significantly from one year to another due to these environmental influences. This contrasts with the other terms associated with sake. For instance, fermentation stage relates to the process but does not denote a year, while floral aroma characteristics describe a sensory aspect of tasting rather than a production dating. Finally, the type of yeast used pertains to the specific fermentation process, rather than the temporal aspect of the sake's production.