demistifying the elusive terroir

Terroir is a French term used to describe all the essential components that contribute to the variety and character of French wines!

The characteristics of the soil, subsoil, climate, topography, biodiversity and the savoir-faire of the men and women in the wine industry are all components of terroir!

Subsoil and soil

The type and nature of the bedrock that forms the subsoil, the microbial life in the soil, and its chemical and mineral composition, all contribute to the wine's structure.

For example, the iron content of the soil influences the intensity of the wine's colour. Limestone determines the wine's roundness and fullness.
Silica determines the wine's finesse and power...

Climate and weather

Rainfall, exposure, temperature, altitude and groundwater influence the ripening of the grapes. While light ensures photosynthesis ( producing the grape's sugar), extreme heat burns off the grape's acidity...

For more on this and understand the difference between weather and climate, see my article on weather and climate.

Topography and biodiversity

Location, location, location - It’s fundamental!

For instance, the gradient affects rainwater drainage, sunshine, temperature, wind circulation, etc. Trees surrounding vineyards provide shelter from strong winds. Aromatic plants add flavour to the grapes, like thyme and rosemary in Provence... Vegetation is home to insects, which help to control parasites...

That famous 'Je ne sais quoi’

The contribution and expertise of passionate people are the key to a wine's future.

Winegrowers and winemakers are to terroir what an orchestra conductor is to a musical score.

The decisions made during soil preparation, vine training, pruning, harvest date, vinification, ageing, bottling... are decisive in determining the typicity and character of a wine.

Here are some words from the illustrious French author Collette that give food for thought when it comes to the meaning of terroir:

"The vine and wine are great mysteries. In the plant kingdom, the vine alone gives us an understanding of the true flavour of the earth. What a faithful translation! It feels and expresses the secrets of the soil through the grape.”