What is Terroir and Why Does it Matter?

Wine lovers and experts often talk about terroir, a term that captures the essence of how a wine’s character is shaped by its environment. While the word is deeply rooted in French winemaking traditions, the concept applies worldwide. Terroir encompasses the natural factors – climate, topography, soil, and local traditions – that influence the taste, aroma, and overall quality of a wine. Understanding terroir helps explain why the same grape variety can produce vastly different wines depending on where it is grown.

What exactly is terroir?

Terroir is the combination of natural influences that impact how grapes grow and how wine tastes. It’s the reason why a Pinot Noir from Burgundy is distinct from one made in Oregon or New Zealand, even though they come from the same grape variety. The key components of terroir include climate, topography, soil, and winemaking traditions.

Climate: The role of weather and temperature

Climate is one of the most crucial factors in terroir. It determines how grapes ripen, affecting their sugar levels, acidity, and overall balance. Broadly, climates can be divided into:

Cool climates, which result in wines with higher acidity, lower alcohol, and more delicate flavours.

Warm climates, which produce riper, fuller-bodied wines with higher alcohol and richer fruit flavours.

For example, Chardonnay grown in Chablis (France) – a cool-climate region – produces wines that are crisp, high in acidity, and often have green apple and citrus notes. In contrast, Chardonnay from Napa Valley (California), a much warmer region, tends to be fuller-bodied, with tropical fruit flavours and a creamier texture due to both the climate and winemaking choices.

Topography: The landscape’s influence

Topography, or the physical landscape, affects sun exposure, temperature variation, and drainage. Key aspects include:

• Elevation: Higher vineyards tend to have cooler temperatures, preserving acidity in grapes.

• Slope and aspect: South-facing slopes (in the Northern Hemisphere) receive more sunlight, helping grapes ripen.

• Proximity to water: Large bodies of water can moderate temperature, reducing extreme heat or frost risk.

A great example is the Mosel Valley in Germany, where Riesling grapes are grown on steep, south-facing slopes. The angle of the vineyards maximises sunlight exposure in this otherwise cool region, allowing grapes to ripen while retaining their signature acidity and minerality.

Soil: The foundation of flavour

Soil composition affects water drainage, heat retention, and the availability of nutrients, all of which shape the character of a wine. Some key soil types include:

Limestone: Retains moisture well and contributes to wines with bright acidity and minerality. Example: Champagne, France, where chalky limestone soils enhance the finesse and crispness of sparkling wines.

Volcanic soil: Known for producing bold, structured wines. Example: Etna in Sicily, where Nerello Mascalese grapes develop smoky, mineral-driven flavours from the volcanic ash.

Gravel and sand: Provide excellent drainage, leading to concentrated flavours. Example: Graves in Bordeaux, where Cabernet Sauvignon benefits from gravelly soils that promote deep root growth and structured tannins.

Winemaking traditions: Human influence on terroir

Beyond nature, terroir also includes centuries-old winemaking traditions. The way grapes are harvested, fermented, and aged plays a significant role in the final wine.

For example, in Burgundy, France, winemakers use minimal intervention, focusing on single-vineyard expressions to highlight terroir. Meanwhile, in Rioja, Spain, long aging in oak barrels is a traditional practice, giving wines their characteristic vanilla and spice notes. Even when the same grape variety is used, these cultural differences create distinctive wines.

The importance of terroir in the appellation system

The concept of terroir is fundamental to appellation systems, such as the French AOC (Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée) and Italy’s DOCG. These systems ensure that wines come from specific regions and follow strict production rules, preserving the unique identity of their terroir. A wine labeled Chateauneuf-du-Pape AOC, for example, must come from that region in the Rhone Valley and be made using approved grape varieties and techniques.

Is climate change affecting terroir?

Yes, climate change is altering terroir worldwide. Rising temperatures are causing grapes to ripen earlier, affecting acidity and alcohol levels. Regions once considered too cool for certain varieties are now producing high-quality wines – such as English sparkling wine, which has benefited from warmer summers. Conversely, traditional wine regions like Bordeaux and Napa Valley are facing challenges with excessive heat, leading winemakers to experiment with new grape varieties and vineyard techniques to adapt.

Terroir is what makes wine diverse and exciting. Climate, topography, soil, and winemaking traditions all contribute to a wine’s unique character. As climate change impacts vineyards worldwide, winemakers are adapting while still striving to preserve the essence of their terroir. Understanding terroir deepens our appreciation of wine and highlights why the same grape can produce such different – and fascinating – expressions depending on where it’s grown.