what is topography in relation to the wine industry?

Answer 1

Topography is the shape of the landscape. It's one of many factors that make up what the French call "terroir" - the local differences caused by soil types, drainage, local microclimate, ammount of sunlight etc. Countries like Australia and the Americas put the emphasis on the grape variety used to produce the wine, the French are more concerned with where it comes from. Amazingly (well, I think it is) it's possible to taste the difference between wines produced from vineyards only a few yards apart!

Answer 2

For topography, read "hillsides". The south facing ones get more sunshine, have drier soils and tend to be more productive than the darker, damper, north facing slopes.

If you live in the UK, you really should visit the Denbigh's vineyard around Dorking, Surrey. It is absolutely huge and they cultivate many varieties of grape to suit the hilly topography thereabouts. They do an excellent guided tour, which explains all this in greater detail, especially the effects of the underlying geology. And you can quaff or purchase the stuff too!

Answer 3

Topography tells you the shape and layout of the land. From this you can read where the water will flow, and what areas will be shaded by other plants. You want the water to soak into the ground at the roots of the vines to water most effeciently and not just run downhill and carry away the topsoil. You also wand the plants to each get the maximum amount of sun so they can grow the best and produce the most sugars (the sugar is what is converted into alcohol)

Answer 4

Topography is very important the industry. The quality grapes used in wines are pretty sensitive to climate and soil conditions, they will not grow just anywhere. This is why the two main regions for wine production are located in France and California.

Answer 5

This site http://www.downloadita.it/r/rd.asp?gid=419 helped me a lot. I was able to grow a grape vine in my backyard with 0 experience.
Cheers ;)