1 Wine Dude

A Serious Wine Blog For the Not-So-Serious Drinker

Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • New? Start Here!
    • PR & Samples
    • Press & What-Have-You
  • Wine
    • by badge
      • crowd pleaser
      • elegant
      • kick-ass
      • overachiever
      • sexy
    • Full Reviews
    • Mini-Reviews
  • Stalk
    • facebook
    • LinkedIn
    • Instagram
    • News Break
    • pinterest
    • twitter
    • YouTube
  • Sign Up
  • Books
  • Services
  • Contact
Menu
1 Wine Dude
Monferrato grapes

The Terror Of Writing About Terroir (February Monferrato Moves)1 min read

Posted on March 15, 2017March 10, 2017 by 1WineDude

in Italian Wine, on the road

Monferrato grapesAs a wine-scribe-type-guy, I absolutely despise writing about terroir.

If there is another term (aside from “optimal ripeness“) that is more flippantly overused in the wine business than terroir, I am unaware of it. In fact, its overuse – and the fear that it engenders – is so ingrained in me that I am incapable of typing the word terroir without italicizing it. As if, somehow, calling further attention to my use of it will protect me from the madness surrounding its misuse.

Yeah, good luck with that, right?

I was asked to tackle the concept – in writing – for my Monferrato gig, and, since I am supposedly a professional and all of that, I couldn’t say “no, thanks, I’m good.”

And so I offer you my humble take on what is often the least humble notion in wine; including why I specifically despise writing about it, why I disagree with the common English translation definitions of the word, why the word terroir shouldn’t be used as often as it is, and, fianlly, why I think that Northern Italian Barbera truly has a legitimate claim on its use. Check out the full essay on MyNameIsBarbera.com

MONFERRATO: BARBERA’S SOUL

Cheers!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email this to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

Related

2 thoughts on “The Terror Of Writing About Terroir (February Monferrato Moves)1 min read”

  1. Randy Caparopso says:
    March 16, 2017 at 12:11 pm

    You’re right, Joe, and thanks for provoking some thought. Re: Use of the word terroir can be terrifying, which is why there is a tendency to overthink its usage. When we appreciate European wine, for instance, we generally accept that there are fundamental differences between a Chablis and Meursault, a Cote-Rotie a Chianti and a Montalcino, a Steinberger and a Scharzhofberger, etc. We don’t have to cite “terroir” as a factor because the differentiations are implicit, apriori, irrefutable.

    However, since most Americans drink and appreciate American wines, terroir related factors are fairly foreign. Entire generations have been taught, and are now accustomed, to appreciating American wines in terms of varietal character, brand styles, or else the artistry of a winemaker. Nothing wrong with that, except for the fact that more and more American wines are being fashioned with the assumption that varietal character, brand and winemaker input is less important than expression of where a wine is grown — place, single vineyards, specific blocks within vineyards. When that happens, all bets are off. Up becomes down, what’s “bad” becomes “good,” and vice-versa.

    Simply put, when vineyards dictate perception of quality, old standards fly out the window; and yes, numerical ratings suddenly seem superfluous, illogical. At that point you know longer need to worry about the use of the word “terroir” because there is no use for it except to explain it to someone like a stranger who doesn’t know rock ‘n roll. It becomes implicit, apriori, irrefutable. Thank goodness, this is happening as we speak, whether or not the old farts are liking it.

    1. 1WineDude says:
      March 20, 2017 at 1:08 pm

      Well stated, Randy! Thanks.

Comments are closed.

Dude’s New Books

Wine Taster's Guide Now Available!

“Bravo! Wine Taster's Guide is a perfect primer for both wine novices and learning enthusiasts." ―Evan Goldstein, Master Sommelier

Wine Taster's Journal Now Available!

"Wine Taster's Journal belongs in everyone's cellar… preferably wine-stained, dog-eared, and well-used.” ―Brian Freedman, wine/spirits/travel columnist

Get Some Wine


Vivino 15% Off Code: 2021NEW15 (1st Time Buyer)

Popular Stuff

  • Wine Reviews: Weekly Mini Round-Up for February 22, 2021
    Wine Reviews: Weekly Mini Round-Up for February 22, 2021
  • Wine In the Time of Coronavirus, Part 33: Rare Like a Steak (Earl Stevens Selections Recent Releases)
    Wine In the Time of Coronavirus, Part 33: Rare Like a Steak (Earl Stevens Selections Recent Releases)
  • Wine Reviews: Weekly Mini Round-Up for April 5, 2021
    Wine Reviews: Weekly Mini Round-Up for April 5, 2021
  • Probably Still Laughing And Calling Him Names (Biodynamic Tasting Calendar Debunked)
    Probably Still Laughing And Calling Him Names (Biodynamic Tasting Calendar Debunked)
  • The Ugly Truth, The Pretty Bubbles (Mailly Champagne Recent Releases)
    The Ugly Truth, The Pretty Bubbles (Mailly Champagne Recent Releases)

About + Contact

Joe Roberts

Joe Roberts

Certified Specialist of Wine & WSET Advanced
Author, speaker, consultant, wine judge, & critic.

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • RSS Feed

Find Stuff

Sign up, lushes!

Join 36,555 other subscribers

Fine Print

This site is licensed under Creative Commons.

Code of Ethics and Privacy Policies.

Play nice!

Get The Guide

Wine Tasters Guide Footer
#1 New Release in Amazon's Wine Tasting category
This site uses cookies. Duh. Cookie Policy
©2021 1 Wine Dude
Yo yo YO!

Wine Tasters Guide InstagramWell, hello there!

If you like what you’re reading (and want to like more of what you’re drinking), consider subscribing.

If you’re up for a more immersive wine learning experience, check out my books and other services.

Cheers!

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.