Topography
Definition - What does Topography mean?
Topography refers to the physical features of an area, and these set the criteria or the "viticultural conditions" when planning to plant a vineyard. These topographical features affecting the overall climate of the area, because topography has a wide scope of geographical elements, for example, altitude, proximity to hills, inclined land portions, or areas close to water bodies. Topography, thus is an integral part of wine grape growing.
WineFrog explains Topography
Choosing the correct location for a vineyard is essential to the production of high-quality grapes, and winemakers must study the topography of the land and its geological makeup and take the land's terroir into account as well. There is a standard set of criteria that is followed when choosing a vineyard plot that includes the sustainability of farming on the land for the continued production of the crop over years and enough carbohydrates to mature the fruit to maintain future production and lots of water. Topography can simply be described as the features on a selection of land, similar to the old phrase, "the lay of the land"
Along with topography studies, a grower must understand geology, pedology and edaphology in order to yield healthy crops.
