You always hear about some wines being better quality than others, but what does that really mean? What makes a quality wine anyway? By definition, agriculture, traditions, technique and climate all play a vital role in the creation of wine. While the main focus is placed on the winemaker’s ability to make the best of the climate and to successfully sustain, grow and maintain the crops, winemakers are also influenced by regional and international economics, in addition to adhering to their creative process and traditions.
- Climate Changes and Adaptation – There are a variety of grapes used to produce wine, each requiring specific climates and have narrow climate niches in order to grow successfully and reach optimum production quality. Today, climate changes are at a faster rate and magnitude than in the past. Winemakers are continuously confronted with the challenge of making numerous adaptations to the vineyard such as irrigation, row orientation and trellising. Adjusting to climates is highly important to the process of creating quality wine.
- Terroir – Terroir is a complex and intriguing challenge that winemakers are confronted with in the world of wine making. Terroir is an area of land that is limited by its agricultural capacity. The Appellation d’origine Controlee, also known as the AOC, is a French certification system created in 1935 that regulates agricultural products and legally delineates geographical regions, naming some areas superior than others. This system is also used and accepted in a variety of regions worldwide, like the US and Italy. The terroir ultimately influences the traits of the wine produced.
Winemakers that are dedicated to creating quality wine are constantly striving to maintain, adapt and improve their methods. The condition and quality of the soil in combination with the ever-changing climate is the foundation to growing crops successfully and producing flavorful grapes. Long-time traditions and techniques of wine making are also highly important to creating quality wine. Many wine makers follow procedures, techniques and use specific equipment that was developed centuries before and are proven to be responsible for creating exceptional high quality wine.
Now go enjoy your carefully crafted quality wine. Cheers!