Terroir as a system
The standard
A systemic view of origin names the factors individually and their relation to one another. A soil type alone explains no wine character, because it acts only under a particular climate and a particular practice.
Criteria
- All four factors are named, none omitted
- Interactions such as microclimate and water balance are stated
- Human practice counts as a factor, not as an interference
- The statement stays bound to the parcel, not to the region
Distinction
Terroir ≠ soil: soil is one factor, terroir the relation of all. Terroir ≠ appellation: an origin designation covers areas with different systems. A systemic view of origin therefore begins at the parcel.