Sweet and Salty News

Terroir

5 articles

Editorial illustration for Why Tuscan Clay and Etna's Volcanic Ash Taste Different in the Glass: A Terroir Explainer
The Cellar & Vine

Why Tuscan Clay and Etna's Volcanic Ash Taste Different in the Glass: A Terroir Explainer

Terroir, the combined influence of soil, climate, topography, and human tradition, explains why Tuscan wines differ from those of Sicily's Mount Etna. Tuscan clay yields Sangiovese with body and structure, while Etna's volcanic soils and altitude produce reds of freshness and acidity.

Marco Alves·October 27, 2026
Editorial illustration for Terroir Explained: How Climate, Soil, and Human Hands Shape What's in Your Glass
The Cellar & Vine

Terroir Explained: How Climate, Soil, and Human Hands Shape What's in Your Glass

Terroir is the combined influence of climate, soil, topography, and human choices on a wine's character, offering a deeper understanding beyond grape variety. This article breaks down the scientific framework of terroir into its physical, biological, and human components, explaining how they interact to shape what's in your glass.

Marco Alves·October 20, 2026
Ghost Corner 2024 Sémillon bottle receiving the SA Terroir Trophy for Top Wine at a prestigious award ceremony.
The Cellar & Vine

Ghost Corner Sémillon Wins 2024 SA Terroir Trophy for Top Wine

For the second year running, Ghost Corner Wines has claimed the SA Terroir Trophy for Top Wine, this time with its 2024 Sémillon.

Marco Alves·August 13, 2026
A vineyard landscape showcasing the interplay of soil, rolling hills, and changing weather, illustrating how these elements influence wine flavor.
The Cellar & Vine

How Do Soil, Climate, and Topography Shape Wine Flavor?

In 2010, some Bordeaux wines reached an unprecedented 16% alcohol, a stark indicator of how quickly climate change is reshaping the very essence of classic wine regions.

Marco Alves·July 18, 2026
Expansive high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza, Argentina, with the Andes mountains in the background during golden hour.
Travel & Taste

Beyond the Number: How Altitude Shapes Mendoza's Finest Wines

High-altitude viticulture in Mendoza, particularly the Uco Valley, shapes wines through cooler temperatures and significant day-night shifts, leading to enhanced acidity, color, and tannins. Consumers should look beyond elevation numbers to understand a wine's true terroir by considering named origins and producer insights.

Raffi Hovsepian·June 7, 2026