The French term, “Terroir” (pronounced tear-wah), is what makes a specific grape-growing site, and its wine, distinctive. It is a philosophy, originated in Europe, that believes a multitude of influences in nature surrounding a vineyard, or wine region, create a wine’s character. These natural factors include soil composition, day and nighttime temperatures, the amount of rainfall, the direction of the sun, just to name a few.

Terroir explains why some of the best California Pinot Noir, for example, originate in the regions of Carneros and Russian River. They may be separated by about 30 miles but they share similar soils and experience the same cooling effects from bodies of water nearby – either the ocean, in the case of the Russian River area, or San Pablo Bay for the Carneros region. Both regions produce rich and complex wines made from Pinot Noir grapes that reflect their similar terroirs.

Over centuries of winemaking around the world, it has been learned that the uniqueness of a specific location is what creates the “personality” of a wine. Although the French word “terroir” has no English translation, it has become a term used everywhere to describe this interaction of many factors that influence a grape-growing site.

So, the next time you taste a great wine, whether Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel, take notice of where the grapes were grown. If a distinct site is listed on the label as the origin of the grapes, such as the name of a specific vineyard or an official wine geographic region (also known as an appellation) know that you are tasting more than just the grapes that made the wine. You are experiencing “terroir” – everything in nature that makes that site, or region, unique.

Len Napolitano lives in San Luis Obispo County and is certified in wine by the Society of Wine Educators, Wine & Spirits Education Trust and Chicago Wine School and continually gains knowledge from his frequent contact with California winemakers. More information is on his website, www.wineology.com.

Send your questions about wine to: wineologist@earthlink.net or by mail to Len Napolitano in care of Wine Country This Week magazine. Wineology is a registered trademark of Len Napolitano.