USEFUL INFORMATION

Terroir is a french word (terre) derived from the Latin (terratorium) and expresses a historical and cultural concept. The wine is deeply related to the place - the natural aspects of the terroir, but also to the people - wine experts choices.

The effect of these features reflects on the taste and quality of the wine.

Natural aspects of the terroir:

• type of soil
• form of the land - flat, hilly, mountainous
• proximity to the lakes, rivers or sea
• exposition - which direction the vineyard faces
• climate - seasonal variation, temperatures, rainfall etc
• amount of sunlight - daily and seasonal variation
• change in temperature from day to night
• altitude about sea level
• amount of wind

The concept of terroir is also tied to choices that the wine expert makes:

• choice of grape variety
• vine planting and growing methods
• methods of vine pruning, fertilizing, etc
• time of harvest
• way the grapes are made into wine: type of container for fermentation, time left with the skins during fermentation, time on the lees after fermentation, temperature controls etc.
• time, container and methods for aging