ADVERTISING: Advertorial — The profound influence of terroir on wine character
Laura Olson
For wine aficionados, understanding terroir is crucial to fully appreciating the nuances that make each wine distinctive. Terroir encompasses the environmental factors of a vineyard's geography, geology, and climate that shape grape and wine character in complex ways. Let's take a deeper look at some of the critical elements of terroir.
Geography | Elevation is one of the most impactful geographical factors. High elevation vineyards in places like Mendoza, Argentina (3,000+ feet) experience intense sunlight during the day, but the thin air leads to dramatic temperature drops at night. This large diurnal shift preserves natural acidity, develops aromatic complexity, and results in more structured tannins in the finished wines.
Proximity to large bodies of water creates a maritime influence. Vineyards in the Russian River Valley, just a few miles from the Pacific Ocean, benefit from morning fog that burns off in the afternoon, moderating temperatures. This allows grapes to retain freshness and vibrant acidity while developing full physiological ripeness.
Become a Subscriber!
You have read all of your free articles this month. Select a plan below to start your subscription today.
Already a subscriber? Login
