Derived from the Latin word ‘terra”, meaning “earth”, the term terroir has been used for centuries to describe the unique environmental factors found in a specific region and how they affect the wine that will eventually be bottled. Some of these factors are climate, soil composition, and topography, among others. Climate has a direct impact on the grape’s acidity, sugar content, and final alcohol levels, and greatly affects the type of grape that is planted in each region. Different types of soil can affect how much water and nutrients the plants have access to, as well as the amount of heat or cold that is retained. Mountain ranges, valleys, and bodies of water can determine temperature variation of an area, which helps balance the grape’s sugar and acid content. Even a region’s flora can affect the vines by releasing aromatic compounds and dispersing them in the air!
Author: Maytte Rivera
