Terroir is expression of climate and soil. Vines exposed to different weather in different soils grow differently and produce distinct fruit. Expressive wines manifest warmer or cooler and hotter or drier vintages with subtle changes to structure and flavor.
Traditional varietal choices, like chardonnay in Burgundy and cabernet franc in the Loire make distinguishing terroir somewhat easier: chardonnay tastes different in Chablis than Macon (more austere and crisp than generous and round), and cabernet franc tastes different in bourgueil than chinon (more chiseled than smooth).
Terroir
Posted by Andrew Yandell on
