In the 1100s, Cistercian monks in Burgundy optimized vineyard site selection based on soil and microclimate, significantly enhancing the quality of wine production. Their meticulous approach to agriculture reflected a deep understanding of terroir, influencing viticulture practices across Europe. This innovation not only contributed to the reputation of Burgundy wines but also established foundational principles for modern winemaking.

Cistercian monks' optimization of Burgundy terroir around 1100 established a concept that enriched medieval poetic descriptions of place and sensory experience. This focus on the land and its qualities influenced poets who celebrated the beauty of nature and its bounty.