Terroir is not a myth, says new research

Published: 23 July, 2008

If you needed prove that the concept of terroir exists then wine academic, Angela Bauer, believes she has proved the theory beyond doubt at a presentation given to the Riesling Fellowship at the German Embassy in London last night (November 7).

Bauer's research, conducted over the last three years whilst undertaking a Phd at the DLR Rheinpfalz, revealed the soil, aspect and climate of various German vineyards has a discernable effect on the aroma and taste profiles of Riesling wines.

Bauer has examined the correlation between "pedological, climatic, sensorial and chemical variables" in Riesling vineyards and the grapes and the wines they produce. She said: "Although we still do not know exactly how the soil and climate of vineyards affect the chemical compostion and flavour of grapes the fact that they do have a discernable effect is now indisputable."

She added: "Our research will help winegrowers worldwide choose the best clones and viticultural and vinicultural techniques to extract the best from their vineyards."

The Riesling Fellowship is an annual event organised by Wines of Germany and was attended by key Riesling winemakers from Germany, France, Austria, Australia and New Zealand. They enjoyed an evening of food matched to a selection of Riesling wines chosen by The Lanesborough Hotel's sommelier, Andrew Connor.

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