Terrain
Terrain refers not only to soil, but also the circumstances that affect it. The local topography, watersheds, and erosion will all influence any particular vineyard’s soil. Terrain is also responsible for the slope and aspect of a vineyard, thus affecting its microclimate.
The Role of Soil Characteristics in a Vineyard’s Terrain
There are many aspects of soil that affect decisions in the vineyard. These factors all affect the terrain of a piece of land that ultimately affect the grapes and wine. Certain varietals have historically been planted in vineyards with specific soil characteristics.
The Different Soil Types in California
Due to the subduction of the Oceanic Farallon Plate under the Continental North American Plate, California Wine Country has amazingly diverse terrain. But there are several major soil types that can be classified. Geologic activity, alluvial deposits, rainfall and erosion are among the variables that determine a wine region’s soil type and terrain.
The Role of Soil Texture in a Vineyard’s Terrian
Soil texture is another important aspect of a vineyard’s terrain. All soil is the product of either physical or chemical weathering of a parent rock. As rock breaks down, the soil particle size becomes progressively smaller. Under these conditions, sand will eventually turn to silt and finally to clay.
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