It takes more than good grapes and sunshine to make a fine wine. Ask any winemaker, and they’ll tell you that the proof is in understanding the terroir. Often described as the ‘soul of wine’, this concept is at the heart of winemaking, and if you love wine, then you should know how terroir affects the taste of wine.

Terroir meaning ‘sense of place’, generally refers to how factors like weather, rain, topography and soil can impact the expression of the grape variety.

What Does Terroir Actually Mean?

The concept of terroir traces its roots back centuries, with its origins intertwined with the history of winemaking in France. While the term terroir – not to be confused with ‘terrain’, which refers to the plot of land – has ancient origins, it gained prominence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as French winemakers sought to promote the distinctiveness of their regional wines.

Terroir meaning ‘sense of place’, generally refers to how factors like weather, rain, topography and soil can impact the expression of the grape variety. The terroir changes with each year, depending on how the elements are maintained.

---

The Elements Are Fundamental

To understand how the terroir affects the taste of wines, it’s important to understand the four main elements it’s controlled by, and how human intervention comes in to play.

Soil Composition

Different soil types, such as limestone, clay, sand and gravel, impart distinct mineral characteristics to the grapes, influencing the wine’s flavour and structure. The soil’s hydration level can also determine the sugar content of the grapes; sandy soils tend to produce drier wines, while clay-like soil often result in robust grapes and rich-tasting/creamier wines.

Climate

Temperature, sunlight exposure, rainfall patterns form part of climate. These factors influence grape ripening, sugar development and acidity levels, which shape the wine’s flavour profile and overall quality.

Topography

Altitude, slope orientation and elevation determine sunlight exposure, which impacts grape maturation and flavour development. Landmarks like mountain hills, rivers and lakes also affect the growth of the grapes. Certain grape varieties are better suited to higher altitudes, while others thrive when grown at sea level.

Microclimate

Localised variations in temperature, humidity and air circulation within a vineyard site can create unique growing conditions, influencing grape ripening and flavour concentration. The diverse winelands of South Africa is a good example, particularly the Durbanville region, which experiences cool climates (ideal for Sauvignon Blanc), as well as intense heat (red grape cultivars benefit from warmer climates and northern-facing slopes).

Human Intervention

Besides the four major elements, human intervention also plays a significant role in winemaking. Vineyard management techniques, harvest timing and fermentation methods interact with terroir, which shape the wine’s character and style.

---

How Terroir Affects the Taste of Wine

While numerous grape varieties are cultivated worldwide, several major varietals stand out for their global popularity and adaptability to diverse terroirs. Here’s how the terroir affects certain wine varietals, including popular local varietals in South Africa.

Chenin Blanc

Widely grown in South Africa, Chenin Blanc thrives in a variety of soil types, including granite, shale and sandstone. In regions like Stellenbosch and Swartland, where old bush vines are prevalent, Chenin Blanc produces wines with a range of flavours from crisp apple and citrus to honeyed richness, often influenced by the terroir’s minerality.

Pinotage

A signature grape of South Africa, Pinotage thrives in well-drained soils and warmer climates, such as those found in Stellenbosch and Swartland. The grape’s unique flavour profile – characterised by dark fruit, earthy notes and smokiness – reflects the influence of terroir, particularly in regions with granite and shale soils.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc excels in cooler coastal regions, like the Durbanville Wine Valley. The combination of cool climates and diverse soil types – including clay, gravel, and sandstone – contributes to Sauvignon Blanc wines with vibrant acidity, tropical fruit aromas and herbal nuances, reflecting the terroir’s influence.

Shiraz/Syrah

Shiraz thrives in warm to hot climates with well-drained, nutrient-rich soils. In regions like Paarl and Swartland, where granite and shale soils predominate, Shiraz produces bold, spicy wines with dark fruit flavours, peppery notes and firm tannins.

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon also thrives in regions with well-drained soils, but with moderate climates, such as Stellenbosch and Paarl. In these areas – containing a mix of granite, clay, and limestone soils – Cabernet Sauvignon develops ripe fruit flavours, structured tannins and herbal complexities, which are influenced by the terroir’s characteristics.

Terroir serves as a fundamental concept in winemaking, reflecting the intricate interplay of soil, climate, and geography in shaping the wine’s unique character and quality. Understanding the elements of terroir and their impact on different grape varieties allows winemakers to craft wines that authentically express the essence of a particular place.

Consider yourself a connoisseur? You should try these lesser-known wine varietals.