What is Terroir?

 Terroir is the french word for "soil," but when applied to wine it has a broader definition referring to the
 broad range of conditions that apply to the growth and ripening of grapes in a specific region. This takes into
 account soil, elevation, slope, aspect, climate and seasonal weather patterns. The term microclimate
 refers to the same thing - local, soil, geology, topography and climate. The concept is that wine from a
 particular region should share a set of features and characteristics that are unique to that region.
 Terroir is the first of many key elements contributing to a great wine. Managing the vineyard, harvesting,
 processing and all the skills of the wine-maker build upon the foundation of the region and local terroir.
 Many prospective wine producers in Australia have deliberately set out to choose regions or area that
 duplicate key elements of the terroir of famous French regions such as Burgundy or Bordeaux, to benefit
 from their success, and then choose varieties that are know to grow well under these conditions. However
 this duplication can only be partially successful and the grapes produced in each region will feature the
 quintessence of the region, that is.the extracts from minerals of its soil and climate, its unique virtues,
 and its most subtle and essential constituents. The grape grower may choose a local area to take advantage
 of a patch of soil, slope drainage, aspect and other local features to further influence the terroir and impart
 unique features to the wine. At OzWineTours.com we recognises the importance of terroir by identifying
 local areas and subregions within the broadscale formal Wine Regions in Australia. We also aim to identify
 and describe the key terroir elements in the information we provide for each subregion and district
 including: climate (seasonal temperature, sunlight and rainfall patterns), soils, aspect, topography and local
 history. Terrior is the heart and soul of what you like about your favorite wine. Enjoy!