The term “terroir” has historically been a descriptor of how a winegrowing region’s specific combination of soil, climate, elevation, and farming approach affects the grapes and, ultimately, the wine. This concept emphasizes that where the grapes are grown is just as important as how the wines are made.
Recently, tequila producers have begun to explore the role terroir plays in the production of tequilas and agave spirits. It used to be believed that terroir had little effect on tequila because of its distillation process. However, artisanal producers who thought otherwise set out to prove that, just like grapes, agave and its terroir could be carried through to the final product.
Tequila Terroir 101
The most distinguishing traits in provenance for tequila are seen between highland and lowland tequilas. The provenance of Los Altos, the highlands of Jalisco, is characterized by sweeter, more floral tequilas with notes of citrus, vanilla, and tropical fruits. The elevation here (6,000-7,000 ft) provides cooler temperatures and more intense sunlight for the agaves.
Tequila Ocho
El Valle, the lowlands of Jalisco, sit closer to sea level. Here, the climate is warmer and the soils are mostly volcanic and mineral-rich. Agaves tend to mature faster in the lowlands and produce tequilas that are earthier with more herbaceous and vegetal notes.
These distinctions have become somewhat generalized. However, producers like Tequila Ocho and Lagrimas del Valle have defied those assumptions by highlighting how agaves grown in different fields can yield dramatically different and distinct flavor profiles. By meticulously preserving the agave’s character from harvest to bottle, these producers allow each site’s nuance to shine through in the final tequila.
Tequila Ocho
Tequila Ocho was founded in 2008 by the legendary, third-generation Master Distiller, Carlos Camarena, and the late Tomas Estes. The brand was one of the first to adopt the concept of vintages and single-estate tequilas. While most tequila brands blend agaves from multiple sources, Tequila Ocho does the opposite. Instead, each Tequila Ocho release is made from agaves harvested from specific fields in specific years, and this information is printed on the bottle.
Lágrimas del Valle
Lágrimas del Valle
Lágrimas del Valle is a relatively new arrival to the tequila world. While most other brands shifted their focus over time to a more terroir-forward approach, Lágrimas was created with the concept at its core.
The Lágrimas team set out to prove how agave can reflect the unique specifics of its environment. Soil composition, elevation, sun exposure, and rainfall are all factors that influence how the agave matures, and those differences can be tasted in each of their tequilas. Each batch of Lágrimas tequila is carefully fermented and distilled to preserve those subtle distinctions.
Click here to read SevenFifty Daily’s full article Searching for Terroir in Tequila – Beyond the Highlands and Lowlands.
