The art of blending
Geology, climate, landscape, got that. But surely people have a role too?
Absolutely. We know that terroir includes geographical location and environmental conditions, but we should never underestimate the role of our people. It’s our winegrowers, for example, who decide which varietal to plant where, and winemakers work out how to blend them to create exactly what they’re looking for.
How much does that actually matter?
It’s essential. The choice of varietal is key, as each one has its own flavour attributes. Should the finished wine be fruity, spicy and structured? Smooth and easy-drinking? Does it need more acidity? Or maybe a touch of bitterness? Blending requires immense skill, years of experience and in-depth knowledge of local winemaking traditions. Imagine being a chef who only has one chance a year to create a superb new recipe! Of course with so many years of history, we have plenty of past experience to help us decide which varietals thrive in particular areas and how well they blend together.