Terroir

[Mel!]

What is Terroir?

[ChefJune]

Originally Posted by Mel!

What is Terroir?

Did you read the previous posts in this thread?

[kitchenelf]

Originally Posted by Mel!

What is Terroir?

Basically, it is the complete package of local conditions under which a wine grows. It not only includes the weather conditions but the soil, a certain mountainside a vineyard, or group of vineyards grows their grapes, the sunshine, the rain, etc. Every aspect of the terroir goes into how a wine will taste. A Californio pinot noir may be the EXACT same grape as a French Burgundy, but, they will have totally different flavor profiles because of their terroir. Even French Burgundies, from different vineyards/locations have different terroir notes to them.

Edited to say: Sorry, I had to run right after I typed the above. I hope that explains it a bit. If you stand in a vineyard and look up, down, all around - every little bit of what you see is the terroir.

I hope that explains it. Ask if anything else needs a further explanation.

[Lefty7887]

Originally Posted by kitchenelf

Basically, it is the complete package of local conditions under which a wine grows. It not only includes the weather conditions but the soil, a certain mountainside a vineyard, or group of vineyards grows their grapes, the sunshine, the rain, etc. Every aspect of the terroir goes into how a wine will taste. A Californio pinot noir may be the EXACT same grape as a French Burgundy, but, they will have totally different flavor profiles because of their terroir. Even French Burgundies, from different vineyards/locations have different terroir notes to them.

Edited to say: Sorry, I had to run right after I typed the above. I hope that explains it a bit. If you stand in a vineyard and look up, down, all around - every little bit of what you see is the terroir.

I hope that explains it. Ask if anything else needs a further explanation.

So, it is safe to say that they terroir from one vineyard can be different from year to year because of ever changing conditions?

[kitchenelf]

Originally Posted by Lefty7887

So, it is safe to say that they terroir from one vineyard can be different from year to year because of ever changing conditions?

Vintages can vary due to too much rain, lack of rain, etc. So characteristics may change within the terroir due to weather conditions, but, I don't think you'd say the terroir changes. It does get confusing!

[Mel!]

Thanks Kitchenelf. I understand it now.

[Mel!]

I suppose, I choose wine pretty randomly. If it is not good tasting, I buy a different one next time. The terroir doesnt come into the decision at all.