Wine terroir: the character of the land and the great Italian examples

There are words in some languages that seem to hold a secret: terms so rich in meaning that they are considered “untranslatable,” because they express concepts that cannot be captured by a single word, only explained. Even in the world of wine, there is such a term – terroir – which embodies the soul of the place where a wine is produced. But what exactly does it mean? And which are the most representative terroirs in the Italian wine landscape?
Let’s find out.

What is meant by the term “terroir”

The french word terroir means “land” or “soil”, as noted in the wine glossary, and refers to the combination of natural and human factors that determine a wine’s character. It is not merely a geological or climatic matter: terroir encompasses the blend of soil, microclimate, altitude, vineyard exposure, cultivated grape varieties, and winemaking practices that define a specific area. Two wines made from the same grape variety can turn out very differently if produced in distinct terroirs: for example, a Tuscan Sangiovese will never be identical to one grown in Romagna or the Marche. We can think of terroir as the “signature” of the land and human practices on the wine, a unique and unrepeatable imprint expressed through the color, aromas, structure, and overall balance of the final product.

The elements that define the terroir

To fully understand the meaning of the term, it can be helpful to consider the main factors that contribute to its definition.

• Soil: clay, sandy, calcareous, volcanic, capable of draining or retaining water; each type of soil affects the vine’s root system differently, influencing the wine’s minerality and structure.


• Climate and microclimate: average temperature, temperature variations, and rainfall determine the ripening and aromas of the grapes.


• Altitude and exposure: the slope of the land and the amount of sunlight received affect photosynthesis, grape ripening, sugar concentration, and the freshness of the wine.


• Grape variety: each variety adapts differently to a given environment, producing specific results.


• Human factor: finally, pruning, winemaking, and aging techniques represent the cultural component of the terroir, complementing its natural aspect.

Italian wine terroirs: notable examples

With its rich wine heritage, Italy can be described as a mosaic of terroirs. Talking about its terroirs means telling the story of diverse landscapes, climates, and cultures that are ultimately reflected in the glass.

Let’s start with Tuscany, a land of exceptional wines appreciated and exported worldwide. The dominant grape variety is Sangiovese, while the soil is often composed of clay and limestone. In the hills of Montepulciano, for example, these characteristics give the wines structure and balance. In Montalcino, on the other hand, the vineyards grow on well-ventilated slopes, where the mild climate and excellent sun exposure allow Sangiovese to fully express its potential, producing complex and long-lived wines such as Brunello di Montalcino.

In Umbria, the Montefalco terroir is harsher but equally distinctive: here, clay and limestone combine with significant temperature swings between day and night, giving the grapes body, color, and a tannic structure that is intense yet elegant.

Moving north to the Langhe in Piedmont, Nebbiolo grows on marl soils that retain moisture and warmth in a balanced way. This is where wines like Barolo and Barbaresco are born, renowned for their aromatic complexity and aging potential. It is no coincidence that the wine landscape of the Langhe, along with Roero and Monferrato, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014: a unique territory shaped over centuries by human labor, today a symbol of Italian winemaking excellence.

Finally, in the coastal areas of Liguria, Sardinia, and Sicily, the sea becomes an integral part of the terroir: salty winds and a temperate climate produce fresh, savory wines with aromas reminiscent of the Mediterranean scrub and sea breeze.

The terroir in Tenute del Cerro

For Tenute del Cerro, terroir is the very essence of wine: each estate preserves a unique balance between soil, climate, and grape variety, which translates into wines with a recognizable character.

In Montepulciano, the native soil, rich in clay and sand, combined with altitude and significant temperature variations, enhances the finesse of Prugnolo Gentile, the local biotype of Sangiovese, from which the Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG is produced. An elegant, harmonious, and long-lived wine, it carries the nobility of its territory.

A little further south, in Montalcino, the limestone soils and constant ventilation create ideal conditions for Sangiovese Grosso, the star of Brunello di Montalcino DOCG, an intense, powerful, and slightly tannic wine with excellent balance. Here, the terroir yields deep, structured wines capable of evolving over time, expressing both the strength and grace of these Tuscan hills.

In Umbria, the Còlpetrone estate lies in the heart of Montefalco, where clay and limestone, combined with a continental climate and notable temperature swings, create a harsh yet generous terroir. It is here that Sagrantino, an indigenous grape of extraordinary intensity, finds its fullest expression in Montefalco Sagrantino DOCG, a wine distinguished by its deep red color, notes of ripe red fruit and leather, and a pronounced tannic concentration on the palate.

Each vineyard at Tenute del Cerro tells a different story: that of the land meeting the hand of man, in a constant dialogue between nature and expertise. The result is a collection of wines that not only express their place of origin but become authentic interpreters of it.