Your Questions Answered

What is Terroir? Why Is It Important?

Terroir-(Tear-Waaah) the French word for a sense of place.

Includes climate, geology, proximity to water, sun exposure. It refers to wine (and olive oil). A fusion of living organisms from 1 location revealed in aromas & flavors. Giving wine its “personality;” earthy, fruity, spicy, or minerally.

Climate change affects vineyard terroir. As cool climate areas in Northern Europe and the U.K. experience rising temperatures, different terroir & wine varietals emerge. While warmer regions, like Italy, experience more drought, floods, & hailstorms. Winemakers must adapt their methods. Shifting to earlier harvest periods, adjusting production methods to nurture vineyard health & protect the terroir.