How the Elevation Grapes Are Grown at Affect a Wine's Flavor

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At 1,148 feet, the Tuscan vineyard Poggio Al Vento takes its name—Italian for “windy hill”— from the constant breezes that aid in retaining freshness in the grapes that go into Col d’Orcia Brunello di Montalcino Riserva Poggio al Vento. The influence of growing at elevation can’t be ignored. “Altitude plays a key role in shaping the character of our grapes,” says , 10th generation winemaker at Col d’Orcia. “This allows the grapes to develop more complex aromas, preserve higher acidity, and achieve better balance.”

While winemakers and journalists alike throw around terms like “mountain fruit” and “valley floor vineyards,” the impact of altitude on wine is not always clear