Wine terroir: what it is
Wine terroir is the set of environmental conditions in which a particular grape variety grows and develops. It includes factors such as climate, soil, topography, sun exposure, and the presence of other plants and organisms. Terroir is considered a key element in the production of quality wines, as it affects the wine’s aroma, taste and structure. Each wine-growing area therefore has a unique terroir that gives the wine produced in that area a distinctive character.
How wine terroir influences wine
Terroir affects wine in several ways. Climate, for example, has a significant impact on grape ripening and the composition of acid and sugar in the fruit. Vines grown in a hot, dry climate will have riper grapes and warmer, richer wines, while vines grown in a cool, humid climate will have more acidic grapes and cooler, lighter wines. The type of soil in which the vine grows also affects the aroma and taste of the wine. For example, wines made from vines grown in soils rich in limestone will taste mineral, while those made from vines grown in soils rich in clay will taste more intense and full-bodied. Sun exposure is another important factor: vines exposed to long hours of sunlight will have riper grapes and wines with softer tannins, while vines that receive less sun will have more acidic grapes and wines with stronger tannins. Finally, the presence of other plants or can affect the aroma and taste of the wine, so wines made from vines grown near forests or herbs may take on notes of fruit or herbs.
Also find out what to plant near the vine.
