Anyone who heads it to western North Carolina in the summer, or points higher and farther west, knows the benefit of elevation with regard to temperature. If there is no precipitation the temperature will drop on average 4.5 degrees per 1000 feet of elevation from sea level. This month I have chosen three wines that demonstrate this effect, with all of them fairly close to the same longitude, but very different altitudes. The difference in temperature creates the need for adapting the grapes varieties grown, the way the vines are farmed and how the wines need to be made in order to maintain varietal clarity and a sense of terroir. It is a fascinating study and I hope you enjoy the exercise and the selections.
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