South Africa Wine Technical Yearbook 2025

What is terroir? In the world of wine, the term “terroir” is both a buzzword and a concept rich in tradition. Terroir refers to the combination of environmental factors and human practices that give the wine its unique character, shaping everything from flavour to quality. The term originated in France during the mid-19th century and has gained global recognition, especially with the rise of international wine markets. (Trubek, 2009). At its core, terroir involves more than just geographical location – it’s about the intricate relationship between land, climate, and the hands that craft the wine. (Valgenti, 2022). This holistic perspective has allowed the term to serve as a legal definition in regions like France, where Appellation d’Origine Contrôlées (AOCs) govern product origins. (Barham, 2003). However, terroir is as much a cultural and philosophical idea as a practical one, encompassing history, human effort, and the social context of wine production (Charters et al ., 2017). When wine lovers speak of terroir, they often refer to the specific environmental conditions that influence the grapevine. This includes soil composition, climate, and the way these interact with the type of grape being grown. For instance, the soil’s mineral content, texture and depth play a crucial role in determining the grapevine’s health and, subsequently, the wine’s flavour profile. Likewise, climate factors such as temperature, rainfall and sunlight are essential in shaping the ripening process. (Van Leeuwen & Seguin, 2006). These environmental factors form an “interactive ecosystem”, as Seguin and Van Leeuwen (2006) describe it, where each element works together to create a unique environment for the grapes. This is why two vineyards, even just kilometres apart, can produce wines with noticeably different characteristics. While nature plays a significant role, human practices are just as crucial in defining terroir. Historical and cultural contexts shape how vineyards are developed, from selecting grape varieties to the viticultural techniques employed. Over centuries, winegrowers have learned how best to work with their land, perfecting methods that allow them to express the nuances of their terroir. (Charters et al ., 2017). The choice of grape varietals is crucial. The most successful vineyards often plant varieties perfectly suited to the local climate, allowing the grapes to ripen fully by the end of the growing season. For red wines, moderate vine vigour is vital, while white wines benefit from a delicate balance of nutrients, particularly nitrogen and water. The key elements of terroir Environmental factors The role of human practices

Quality and ripeness At the heart of terroir is the pursuit of quality. Grapevines that are well-matched to their environment are more likely to produce wines of superior quality. Conditions like moderately dry climates and nutrient-rich, well-drained soils are perfect for producing top-tier red wines. White wines are all about the perfect balance of ripeness. (Van Leeuwen & Seguin, 2006). Historical and socioeconomic influence Finally, we can’t ignore the influence of history and socioeconomics on terroir. Factors like proximity to markets or trade routes have often shaped the development of vineyards. Regions with a long-standing winemaking tradition tend to have a deeper understanding of their terroir, honed over generations of trial and error. These historical practices have often been formalised into laws and regulations that govern everything from planting techniques to harvest times. (Charters et al ., 2017). How soil shapes the world of wine – the hidden factor behind terroir When it comes to wine, we often hear about terroir – the unique combination of climate, geography and human touch that gives the wine its distinctive character. However, soil is one of the most crucial and often overlooked terroir components. Soil is the backbone of the vineyard ecosystem, providing water and nutrients to the vines and playing a significant role in grape quality and vine development. The role of soil in terroir Soil impacts vines in various ways, from temperature regulation to water and nutrient availability. The temperature of the soil, for example, can affect the timing of the vine’s life cycle or phenology, influencing everything from bud break to harvest. (Mase et al ., 2015) It’s not just about where the vineyard is located, but how the soil interacts with the climate and the specific grape variety planted there. This complex relationship between soil and vines is a cornerstone of the concept of terroir, shaping the wine’s taste and quality. Soil is a critical component of terroir and directly impacts the quality of grapes. Characteristics like soil depth, moisture content and texture play a role in vine growth and grape development. For instance, deeper soils allow vine roots to penetrate further, providing stability and enhancing access to water and nutrients. This, in turn, affects grape quality by influencing vine vigour and berry composition. Reduced water uptake, for example, can lead to smaller berries with more concentrated tannins and anthocyanins, which are crucial for wine colour and structure (Matthews & Anderson, 1988; Van Leeuwen & Seguin, 1994).. Soil texture also plays a key role in water retention and permeability. While great wines are produced in various soils, even those with high pebble content or clay, the soil’s

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TECHNICAL YEARBOOK 2025