How the Internet Has Left Its Mark on Terroir
The New York Times
Historic wine regions were bound by local traditions. More recently developed areas lacked a sense of community. But now distance is no obstacle.
I’ve often written that the best wine is an expression of culture. This is easy enough to understand in historic wine-producing regions, where centuries of local traditions helped to shape the identity of the wines.
But what about more recent wine regions like California or Australia, where decisions about grapes, methods and styles of wine have often been made by individual entrepreneurs motivated by commercial expedience or ego? The cultural antecedents of many wines from the 20th century, made without community involvement, were more difficult to trace.
Over the last 20 years or so, though, the internet and social media have tied people around the world closer and closer together, creating new wine cultures regardless of physical proximity. Growers and producers who might once have been isolated can now be a part of community efforts, perhaps adding to our understanding of terroir and a sense of place.
