While wine grapes are grown in countries around the world the wines that are produced in one place as opposed to any other will have very distinct characteristics. These differences can occur, for example, in as little as a few feet or from one row of grapevines to the next in the same vineyard. This is just one reason there are so many choices of wine available and why no two wines, even of the same varietal, are ever the same.
In the world of wine there is a term, Terroir, which is used to describe the combination of factors that create the unique growing conditions for any particular vineyard or vine. While generally Terroir is considered a factor for an entire vineyard, in truth most vineyards have several different terroirs since soil and weather conditions can, and do, vary widely even inside a single property. This is one reason that different varietals are planted in different sections of a vineyard. Each varietal has its preferred or ideal conditions. Proper design and layout of a vineyard is critical to the long term performance of the land and the success of the operation. Matching the varietal to the terroir is critical since vineyards are long term operations and vines can often stay productive for decades. Matching a vine to its preferred conditions such as the soil type, the nutrient and trace chemicals present to nourish the plant, the amount of naturally occurring moisture available in a typical season, the composition of the soil itself and not just the surface soil but underlying structures and types as well. Other factors like the direction and amount of sun exposure, the elevation of the property, the slope of the terrain, high/low and mean seasonal temperature and daytime vs. nighttime temperatures are also important in vineyard design considerations.
In our modern, scientific world these factors drive the design and building of vineyards. Extensive soil coring and testing, drainage plans and longitudinal studies of local climatic conditions and other considerations are controlling factors in the design and planting of modern vineyards. The objective is to try and match the growing conditions in any particular location to a vine that will thrive and produce good quality fruit because, in wine making, as with many other endeavors, the end result is only as good as the raw materials being used.
It may be easier to understand why these things play such an important role in the process when you consider that a vine doesn't produce any usable fruit for the first three to four years after its planted and it takes anywhere from one to sometimes four or more years before the wine is ready to be sold. Viticulture and wine making are very much deep pocket business ventures requiring large up front investments and patience. Having said that we need to remember that those same vines may stay productive for decades into the future and, if the terroir is unique and the right vines are planted unique and distinctive wines can be the result.
While it is often true that 'the older the vine the better the wine' it is far from a rule. As vines age their root systems grow deeper and, depending on the soil, can add lots of nuanced character and flavours to a wine. The downside, from a business perspective, is that older vines produce less fruit so maintaining a balance between unique quality and adequate volumes to maintain profitability become the key factors. Very, very few wines will ever qualify as collectible or can justify an exorbitant price. By and large wine grapes are a commodity business. Wineries know that their particular product is unique and market their wares as specialty branded products but, in reality, wines are also commodity products like virtually all food products. In the end the key is to find wines that you like, that you are proud to share with friends and that fit your budget and lifestyle. While some consider wine a special occasion treat millions worldwide drink wine on a daily basis. Regardless of your need The Wine factory is here to help you find the wines of your life.
www.winefactory.ca, 604.540.8907.
No comments:
Post a Comment