What is the main climatic influence that impacts the style of Savennieres?

The main climatic influence that impacts the style of Savennières is air circulation around the well-exposed vineyards. This region, located in the Loire Valley of France, benefits from a continental climate, which includes warm summers and cold winters. The well-exposed vineyards play a crucial role in ensuring good ventilation, which helps mitigate the risk of humidity-related diseases, such as botrytis. This ventilation allows the grapes to achieve optimal ripeness and develop the complex flavor profiles that Savennières is known for, particularly when made from Chenin Blanc grapes.

In Savennières, proper air circulation enhances the drying conditions of the grapes, which is essential for proper maturation. Additionally, it enables the vineyard to avoid excessively high humidity that can lead to undesirable fungal infections. This factor, together with the region's terroir—its soil composition and specific microclimates—culminates in a distinctive expression of the Chenin Blanc grape, producing wines that are complex, age-worthy, and often display mineral characteristics.

To summarize, the favorable air circulation around the Savennières vineyards is vital for the health of the grapes and the resulting wine style.