Terroir
Climate
It is fair to say that the vineyards of Terlano, which lies on the same latitude as Burgundy, are particularly privileged with regard to climate and nature.
The main Alpine chain protects the region from the cold northerly winds, while mild air flows in from the south to warm the southern slopes of the mountains and the nearby glaciers contribute a reservoir of fresh air to an exceptional microclimate.
In terms of climate, the middle reaches of the Adige Valley are especially attractive, with the Terlano terroir located on its steep south- to southwest-facing slopes. For this latitude, the climate is exceptionally mild and sub-Mediterranean. During the summer months the sun heats up the land during the day, and at night the temperature is reduced by cool downslope winds from the surrounding mountains. This results in considerable differences in temperature between day and night, and this alternation of cool nights and warm days is particularly advantageous for wine growing.
With this daily pattern of air from the north in the morning and the southerly winds that usually arrive in the afternoon, the extremely warm temperatures always remain pleasant.
The annual average temperature of 11-12°C is above average for this latitude, with a maximum temperature of 38°in August and a minimum of -4°in January. During the vegetation period from April to October, the average monthly temperatures always exceed 10°C.
As the valley is wide and open to the west, the sun shines for very long hours in the Terlano vineyards, especially in the evening, and Terlano enjoys a total of over 2000 hours of sunshine per year.
The low annual average rainfall of between 600-700 mm is mostly very well distributed over the summer months. But if heavy rainfalls do occur, the soils are able to absorb all the water as they drain very well.
Microclimate in Terlano
Continental climate (Cfa Köppen-Geiger)
Annual sunshine hours: ø 2135
Maximum temperatures: 38,2 °C
Average temperatures: 12,9 °C
Minimum temperatures: -10,7°C
Annual precipitation: ø 712 mm
Average global radiation: 150,1 W/m²
Winds - North foehn: cool and dry down-slope wind
Winds - Ora: valley wind system from the south, bringing in air from the Po Valley
- learn more
The vineyards of Terlano can offer all the seasons in one day. After a cool autumn night, the rime glistens in the grass in the morning, and it is wise to have a warm jacket with you. As soon as the first rays of sun clear the ridge of the mountains to the east, however, the moisture of the night evaporates in an instant and there is a breath of spring in the morning air. Towards noon, the sun pushes the thermometer higher and higher, and you feel like undressing as far as decency allows. But then, in the evening or after a short thunderstorm, you soon ask yourself where you put the jacket you were wearing in the morning.
The climatic extremes of this unique region are reflected not only in the Terlano wine but also in the flora. Down in the valley, warm coppices with downy oak dominate on the south-facing slopes, with hop-hornbeam and manna ash on the north-facing slopes. At higher levels, pine forest communities are mainly found. The large number of sweet chestnuts growing in the Terlano area as a symbol of a southern climate is also a striking feature. Even prickly pears, which are native to the southern Mediterranean region, grow in the Terlano vineyards.
If you finally let your gaze roam over the vineyards, cypresses and succulents to the snow-capped three thousand meter high peaks of the Texel mountain range, you will sense the fascination of the extraordinary terroir of Terlano wine.
Vintages
