The Law of Location: Reign of Terroir

The geographic origin of a wine has long been believed to impact its taste (“palate”) and aroma (“nose”). Factors such as climate, soil, and nearby vegetation leave their imprint on a grape to create a unique flavor profile. These factors in turn account for some of the noticeable differences in palate and nose among wines made from the same grape variety. For this reason, many consumers rely on designations of origin, or appellations, in choosing their wines. This is the essence of “terroir”—the idea that the holistic geophysical and ecological profile of a region influences the taste and other characteristics of the fruit grown there. Terroir is a source of pride, economic value, and contention among wine producers and consumers.

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