“On the Rocks”: Wine, Earth, and Space
“On the rocks” is commonly used when ordering a spirit served over ice. No, I wouldn’t dare write a post suggesting you put ice in your wine. But I invite you to creatively expand your use of the phrase to accommodate the impact rocks have on the formation of our alcoholic beverages, specifically wine.
Soil is categorized into twelve recognized orders that make up our resilient planet. Certain soil types are found in specific climates and with a geological makeup that makes the region perfect for producing a particular grain, fruit, or (you guessed it) wine.
Rocks and minerals play a significant role in moderating soil health and filtration. Hence, there is an emphasis on terroir, climate, and topography in winemaking as it affects the quality and taste.
When I shared that I was going to Antarctica, people wondered what my trip had to do remotely with wine. Sure, you can’t find wine in Antarctica; I wasn’t trying to. I wanted to see which rocks were more prevalent in one area versus another. Surprisingly, I discovered the environment was a bit of a visual geological mashup.
From now a defunct geology education, I can only wonder how currents from arctic and antarctic glaciers and ice sheets might move sediments. Wherever those sediments arrive, is there a remarkable difference in the viticulture of regions influenced by non-glaciofluvial versus glaciofluvial deposits?
It’s a tickling notion that you could uncover secrets of the universe right from this planet. How could I not be just as curious about the solar system as I am about wine?
Earth’s geological patterns unlock many insights. These patterns tell us how this planet was formed, the effect of rocks and minerals on the food we consume, and — more relevant to this post — the impact on the winemaking process.
So next time you sip a lovely glass of wine, extend gratitude beyond the vine and that it be “on the rocks,” for beauty and abundance are cultivated from the messiest parts of life.
