Terroir

Terroir is a term from French that sums up all influences a vineyard has on its grapes. These include soil type, water supply, slope, altitude, sun exposure, regional climate and the traditional methods of local winemakers.

The basic idea is that the same vine produces different wines in different places. Many designations of origin rest on this thought. How strongly terroir is actually tasted in the glass is debated among experts, but as a guiding concept for origin and individuality it is widely accepted.