Water Word of The Week: Terroir
Terroir
Terroir: Water as Well as Wine?
Terroir and wine go hand in hand. The way in which the geographic region affects the flavor and properties of wine, is also very, very similar to water.
As you might imagine, we could apply terroir to any number of foods and drinks. However, products that don’t spend a lot of time in contact with the land – marrying and melding with its minerals and rainfall, landscape and soil – really can’t be said to have terroir in the same way.
Water’s Terroir: Really a Thing?
While we think of water as a one-and-done ingredient, the same the world over with the exception of some funny smells in some areas, that’s not true at all. Water isn’t as simple as good or bad, dirty or clean. You can’t simply nod in approval or dismiss in disgust.
Water, as much as wine or any other ingredient, has a strong element of terroir. Let’s just consider the elements.
Elements of Terroir
The main components of terroir are all represented in the waters of the world, especially those that are bottled for consumption. Climate: check. Everything is subject to weather. Soil and terrain: check. All water flows through them to end up underground, mingling with minerals. Tradition: check. Many of the great water companies will tell you exactly how they harvest their water right on their websites. Terroir: check.
Water has it in spades.
Want to learn more about terroir and what it means for your water choices? We invite you to get in touch with Jessica Altieri, America’s Water Sommelier today. Whether you’re looking for a crash course or a buying guide, get in touch by visiting JessicaAltieri.com