What is terroir
Terroir, the emblematic concept of the wine world, embodies a genuine natural heritage that man, through his know-how, sublimates and transcends. Derived from the Latin territorium, meaning territory, the term terroir has not always had a positive connotation. Before the Second World War, a wine with a "terroir taste" was often associated with mediocre quality. However, thanks to the scientific advances of the 1970s and 1980s, terroir gained in recognition and prestige.
Defined by the INAO (Institut National des Appellations d'Origine), terroir represents a delimited geographical area where a human community, over the course of history, has developed a collective production know-how. This know-how is based on interactions between the physical and biological components of the environment, as well as human factors. The farming practices employed reveal the originality of the terroir, conferring typicality on the products that emanate from it and contributing to their reputation.
The key elements that define a winegrowing terroir include :
Climate: weather conditions such as temperature, sunshine, rainfall and wind influence grape ripening and vine health.
Relief: Altitude, slope and exposure of plots determine the amount of sunshine the vines receive and the drainage of the soil.
Geology: The geological composition of the soil must ensure good drainage and optimum exposure to the sun. Soil structure also plays a crucial role in vine root development and interaction with microbial life.
Soil chemistry: The availability of nutrients and micro-organisms essential for vine growth.
Yeasts: The indigenous yeasts present on the grapes influence fermentation and enable the full expression of terroir characteristics in the final wine.
Wine-growing practices: Each wine-growing region has developed its own specific growing techniques. Some winemakers favor traditional approaches, while others are exploring new methods.
Terroir is much more than just a set of geographical features. It embodies the very essence of the link between man, nature and wine, offering an infinite diversity of nuances and flavors that reflect the unique identity of each wine-growing region.