What is Terroir?
05/09/2018
What is terroir (and how do you say it?) –
Terroir, pronounced ter wär, is the complete natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, including factors such as the soil, topography, and climate. Grape varietals such as Syrah have different flavors and structures depending on the terroir the vines are grown in. Terroir is broken down into 3 main categories. Climate - Wine grapes from warmer climates generate higher sugar levels (which produce higher alcohol wines), whereas cooler climate wine grapes generally have lower sugar levels and retain more acidity. Warmer climate wines also tend to be fruitier and less tart. Soil - There are hundreds of different types of soil, rock and mineral deposits in the world’s vineyards. While there is no scientific proof associating the taste of ‘minerality’ to actual minerals in a wine, something does happen. The ph and soil type act like a filter between the water and the vine’s roots. And lastly terrain - altitude is an important focus for quality vineyards. Besides elevation, things like geological features (mountains, valleys, being located far inland), other flora and large bodies of water affect how a wine from a particular region tastes. Terroir covers the sum total of a site's constants, including soil composition, latitude, elevation, contour, sun exposure and climate and how it affects the flavors found in the wines produced.
Post By:
Allison VanArnam