Wine Glossary: Terroir

Filed in archive Wine Resources on February 21, 2008

One of the words you'll often hear wine experts and lovers talk about is the concept of "terroir." This French word doesn't have an exact English equivalent. It refers to the symbiotic relationship that the soil, climate, and topgraphy where a grape vine is planted have with the grape varietal. For example, Sauvignon Blanc grapes planted in Sonoma Valley have a crisp, grassy flavor. The same varietal planted in New Zealand takes on the flavor of citrus and Melon fruits. Same grape vine; totally different flavor profiles.

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