Terroir 2006 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 International Terroir Conferences 9 Terroir 2006 9 Contributions to the definition of terroir (Terroir 2006) 9 The concept of « terroir »: what does that mean ? What is it useful for ? French young adults perception

The concept of « terroir »: what does that mean ? What is it useful for ? French young adults perception

Abstract

Far from complicated discussions on the relevant way to define « terroir », this article deals with the social perception that French young adults (aged from 18 to 30) have of this concept and the way it can help them to become wine consumers. For young adults, « terroir » has two major meanings: on the first hand, through the identification of restricted areas, it allows them to feel as a membership of a local community that they are proud to represent and to further, for example by drinking local wine; on the other hand, consumption of « terroir-products » is a means to struggle against the standardization of ways of life and to stand up for regional know-how and taste’s authenticity. As a result, and in spite of their difficulties to appreciate wine’s flavour, the concept of « terroir » appears important to help young adults to enter the complex universe of wine. Moreover, this issue seems to go past French frontier and concerns nowadays all wine producer countries. The aim is the same everywhere: it consists in charming consumers while offering them a high quality level and a « typicity » of the wine.

DOI:

Publication date: January 12, 2022

Issue: Terroir 2006

Type: Article

Authors

Isabelle SAULLE

Département de sociologie, Université Victor Segalen, Bordeaux 2, 3 ter, place de la Victoire
33076 Bordeaux cedex, France

Contact the author

Keywords

French young adult, social perception, sociology, terroir, wine consumption

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2006

Citation

Related articles…

Physiological and growth reaction of Shiraz/101-14 Mgt to row orientation and soil water status

Advanced knowledge on grapevine row orientation is required to improve establishment, management and outcomes of vineyards on terroirs with different environmental conditions (climate, soil, topography) and in view of a future change to more extreme climatic conditions. The purpose of this study was to determine the combined effect of row orientation, plant water status and ripeness level on the physiological and viticultural reaction of Shiraz/101-14 Mgt.

Effects of mechanical leafing and deficit irrigation on Cabernet Sauvignon grown in warm climate of California

San Joaquin Valley accounts for 40% of wine grape acreage and produces 70% of wine grape in California. Fruit quality is one of most important factors which impact the economical sustainability of farming wine grapes in this region. Due to the recent drought and expected labor cost increase, the wine industry is thrilled to understand how to improve fruit quality while maintaining the yield with less water and labor input. The present study aims to study the interactive effects of mechanical leafing and deficit irrigation on yield and berry compositions of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in warm climate of California.

The effects of cane girdling on berry texture properties and the concentration of some aroma compounds in three table grape cultivars

The marketability of the table grapes is highly influenced by the consumer demand; therefore the market value of the table grapes is mainly characterized by its berry size, colour, taste and texture. Girdling could cause accumulation of several components in plants above the ringing of the phloem including clusters and resulting improved maturity. The aim of the experiments was to examine the effect of girdling on berry texture characteristics and aroma concentration.

Application of a fluorescence-based method to evaluate the ripening process and quality of Pinot Blanc grape

The chemical composition of grape berries at harvest is one of the most important factors that should be considered to produce high quality wines. Among the different chemical classes which characterize the grape juice, the polyphenolic compound, such as flavonoids, contribute to the final taste and color of wines. Recently, an innovative non-destructive method, based on chlorophyll fluorescence, was developed to estimate the phenolic maturity of red grape varieties through the evaluation of anthocyanins accumulated in the berry skin. To date, only few data are available about the application of this method on white grape varieties.

Different yield regulation strategies in semi-minimal-pruned hedge (SMPH) and impact on bunch architecture

Yields in the novel viticulture training system Semi-Minimal-Pruned Hedge (SMPH) are generally higher compared to the traditional Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP). Excessive yields have a negative impact on the vine and wine quality, which can result in substantial losses in yield in subsequent vintages (alternate bearing) or penalties in fruit quality. Therefore yield regulation is essential. The bunch architecture in SMPH differs from VSP. Generally there is a higher amount but smaller bunches with lower single berry weights in SMPH compared to VSP.