Wine, Terroir, and Cultural Temperament: Myth and Reality

Floriano Pavao

First some questions:

" Why are both sherry and porto wines often referred to as chauvinistic drinks? " Why is chardonnay the preferred white wine of most American women, and why do most men in wine-drinking countries prefer red wine? " Why are so many women in this country afflicted with headaches after drinking red wine? " Why does the mere sound of the word champagne put a smile on most peoples faces all over the world? " Is there a correlation, or is it simply a coincidence, that people in wine making-loving-drinking countries are, or appear to be, friendlier, more jovial and fun loving than, say, people in beer-vodka loving-drinking countries? " What does terroir have to do with wine, its quality, properties and influences on culture?

Are these questions mere myths and simple clichés or are they imbedded with some elements of reality, which, along with other truths, will bring into focus the importance that wine may play in the culture of wine producing-consuming populations.

Biographical Note: Floriano Pavao spent his entire professional career in the field of secondary education, starting as a foreign language teacher (French, Spanish, Latin), department head, vice-principal, director of curriculum and principal. He has taught Wine 101 for the past two years at ALL. As a native born of the Azorean Islands (Portugal), Florianos love for and appreciation of wine started at a very early age. His extensive travels throughout the most important wine producing countries have sharpened his knowledge of the wine industry and the influence it has had over the ages in shaping the cultural tapisserie of those countries.

All are welcome!!!