Terroir
Terroir is a French term used in viticulture to describe the sum of factors that influence the growth of grapevines and the resulting quality of wine. This concept encompasses a wide range of natural and human factors that combine to shape the character of the wine. These factors include the geological and pedological composition of the soil, altitude, vineyard orientation, microclimate, including temperature, sunlight, and weather conditions, and the presence of fauna and flora around the vineyard.
The history and tradition of vine cultivation also play an important role, as well as the specific grape varieties and practices the winemaker uses in growing and processing the grapes. Terroir can vary significantly even within a single wine region, leading to differences in taste and character of wine, even among vineyards located close to each other. This concept thus expresses the unique combination of natural conditions and human interventions that together create the unique profile of each wine.