Terroir Reveals Its Secret: The M5 of Success
Unraveling the Transformative Roles of Mentors, Mates, Mantras, Methods, and Metrics
You who are on the road
Must have a code
That you can live by
And so become yourself.”
— Graham Nash (Crosby, Stills, and Nash), 1970
Terroir, the essence of a specific geographic area, has revolutionized the perception of wine. Through a harmonious blend of Socratic and Aristotelian approaches, winemakers have elevated their craft from a simple beverage to an art form. They draw on five constants that play a role in every great bottle of wine.
Terroir, in its truest form, encompasses the dynamic interplay of mentors, mates, mantras, methods, and metrics. From the invaluable wisdom passed down by mentors to the unwavering support of mates, the guiding principles expressed through memorable mantras, the innovative techniques employed, and the continuous measurement of progress, success in winemaking is a story woven by these remarkable characters.
As Matisse immersed himself in the captivating atmosphere of Collioure, he exemplified the intricate interplay between art and location. Through a personal journey, he discovered remarkable qualities that are not solely attributed to talent, lineage, inheritance, or ambition. You could consider these the vital ingredients of a successful life, but not quite a recipe. It helps explain why a sister with similar DNA to her brother does not follow in the footsteps of the other. Genes provide a starting point but they don’t guide the race.
The Languedoc-Roussillon region will forever be intertwined with Henri Matisse, a finding we have discovered true in all extraordinary lives. He found this breathtaking corner of the world by luck, and the influence on his art and energy cannot be underestimated. As he immersed himself in the captivating atmosphere of Collioure, he exemplified the intricate interplay between the individual and place. Through this personal journey, he discovered that our remarkable qualities are not solely attributed to talent, lineage, inheritance, or ambition. His art and his life was shaped by his terroir.
So, join us as we embark on a tale of unimaginable challenges and sacrifices that led to the creation of a quaint village and the perfect terroir for Matisse’s art more than two hundred years later. Let us uncover the remarkable interplay between individuals and their environments, and the towering achievements the combination inspires.
As Isaac Newton said, Matisse painted while standing on the shoulders of giants.
Five Ms of Success
Terroir is multifaceted. It holds unparalleled significance in the realm of human endeavor. It can be divided into three stages: early (planting), midlife (cultivation), and latter day (aging). Each stage is crucial in shaping the outcome, whether that is a glass of fine wine or the tapestry of an extraordinary life.
There are three types of terroirs: vibrant, struggling, and rotten. The extraordinary people we researched veered back and forth between the first two or departed the third.
Terroir is more than just dirt; it encompasses ethos, habitat, heritage, upbringing, family, community values, and traditions. It is deeply rooted in culture and reflects the traditions of different clans and religions. It is Hanukkah candles and Christmas trees, Easter Egg hunts, Indian burial grounds, Hindu chants and Muslim prayer.
Terroir is fractal. They consist of five interconnected points. These points, or competencies, serve as the building blocks of the Terroir concept. Just as a winemaker carefully tends to the vineyards and grapes, we must nurture and cultivate these competencies to understand the factors that shape our journeys and the organizations we create.
Unraveling the Transformative Roles of Mentors, Mates, Mantras, Methods, and Metrics
Terroir, the essence of a specific geographic area, has revolutionized the perception of wine. Through a harmonious blend of Socratic and Aristotelian approaches, winemakers have elevated their craft from a simple beverage to an art form. They draw on five constants that play a role in every great bottle of wine.
Mentors: The grandeur of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s wine bottles, adorned with the papal keys, signifies the link to history and age-old traditions. French winemakers construct walled enclosures called ‘clos’ around their vineyards, safeguarding their heritage and legacy.
Mates: In 1911, a commission of 34 wine growers was appointed by the town council to classify and safeguard the reputation of Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines. The court appointed three experts who dedicated four years to establish the conditions of territorial origin and local practices. This united effort preserved the integrity of Châteauneuf-du-Pape’.
Mantras: Baron Le Roy gave the winemakers their guiding principle when he told them, “The condition is that you all give the example of honesty and discipline.” It mean there would be strict adherence to quality and authenticity in all conditions and all markets.
Methods: Determining the boundaries of the appellation and selecting the permissible grape varieties were crucial steps. They carefully outlined the limits of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Only thirteen grape varieties were allowed, with strict regulations governing harvest yield, alcohol content, output, cutting, and plantation, ensuring the quality and craftsmanship.
Metrics: Maintaining quality standards necessitated the removal of a portion of the harvest, equivalent to a minimum of 5% of the yield. The wine’s alcohol content had to meet a minimum of 12.5%. Additionally, there were regulations regarding maximum output and specific guidelines for cutting and plantation to maintain quality standards.
Terroir, in its truest form, encompasses the dynamic interplay of mentors, mates, mantras, methods, and metrics. From the invaluable wisdom passed down by mentors to the unwavering support of mates, the guiding principles expressed through memorable mantras, the innovative techniques employed, and the continuous measurement of progress, success in winemaking is a story woven by these remarkable characters.
Five Competencies:
- Mentors are the fuel propelling us on the path to success. They are the ones telling us to “Keep Calm.” Mentors are founders and builders, the storytellers, teachers, coaches, parents, or voices who guide our compass. Like skilled artisans, they bring order to chaos of the world around us, sharing well-guarded secrets and connecting past lessons with future aspirations.
- Mates embody the “It takes a village” mentality. They are the ones telling us to “Carry On.” Their unwavering support stands by your side, lifts you when you stumble, cheers when you doubt, and celebrates your victories as if their own. Occasionally, the best tell us when we are about to stumble because we are focused too far away.
- Mantras are institutional memory that acts as a personal guidance counselor. Like winemakers have their principles, we need our guiding mantras to keep us on track and provide constant course correction when unsure which way to go.
- Methods are the where the rubber meets the road. The working part of our competencies, the tilling of the field is where we solve problems and find different ways to approach a challenge. The right methods introduce new ideas, unconventional perspectives, and cutting-edge methodologies, pushing us to think beyond the ordinary and unlocking full potential.
- Metrics are our humility button. The vital statistics are the only measurable milestones that keep us on track and fuel motivation, and prevent us from heading towards the cliff. For winemakers, it’s the sales of wine from their vineyards; for us, it’s feedback to assess our performance. Neglecting metrics leads to market crashes, failed marriages, or wasted years.
Success is a masterpiece composed of the harmonious interplay of the five protagonists. They are the dynamic forces that shape our journeys and determine our destiny. When they align in perfect synchrony, there is no limit to what we can achieve.
The Terroir Trip
You find yourself in a place that feels like it was made just for you. It’s like Matisse stumbling upon the vibrant town of Collioure, where every brushstroke becomes infused with the energy of his surroundings. He’s transported, and his life has changed forever.
That’s the power of terroir — a force that can shape not just the trajectory but the destination of our lives.
But terroir goes deeper than that. It’s the connection to our roots, the influence of our origins. It drives us to achieve greatness when we venture far from home. Just look at Dr. Reatha Clark King, who rose from Jim Crow Georgia’s cotton fields to corporate giants’ boardrooms. Her humble beginnings remained etched in her memory, reminding her of the strength she carried within.
Whether we are ready to forge a new path, terroir leaves an indelible mark on our lives. It shapes us, molds our character, and inspires us to create something better. It stands in the wings watching our moves, titling the scale this way or that. Sometimes, we even find ourselves jumping from one terroir to another, searching for an environment that aligns with our evolving selves.
The key is recognizing that we are all searching for a true terroir. It’s not about the physical location; it’s about finding the perfect match for our sense of belonging. When we discover that special place where our unique qualities can thrive, we unlock our full potential.
So, let’s embark on this journey of self-discovery. Let’s navigate the landscapes of terroir to find the environments that ignite our passions and bring out the best in us. Terroir becomes the secret sauce that unlocks our potential and propels us to greatness.
Yet, even the finest terroirs can erode over time if we’re not vigilant. Terroir, for all its mystical power, is fragile. It’s vulnerable to the forces of nature and society’s shifting tastes and whims.
The vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon once faced disease, and the anchovy fishing industry teetered on the brink of collapse. But the artists who found solace in this place saw something worth preserving. They captured the beauty of the terroir on canvas, breathing new life into a struggling region. In doing so, they became mentors in the truest sense.
As we savor a glass of wine from Languedoc-Roussillon, let us hold reverence and gratitude in our hearts. This mystical place has withstood the test of time, surviving wars, plagues, and famine. It possesses a life force that cannot be replicated — at least not for another thousand years. And that’s why we strive to understand the essence of terroir — not just in the realm of wine, but on a broader scale. We yearn to comprehend its workings, safeguard its existence, and embrace its transformative power.
Imagine standing in the picturesque vineyards of Burgundy, where rows upon rows of grapes stretch into the horizon. But here’s the kicker: not all vineyards are created equal. Only a select few hold the prestigious title of “grand crus,” the pinnacle of winemaking. And what sets them apart? Terroir, my friend.
Terroir is a symphony of soil, climate, and geography that gives grapes distinctive flavors. The secret ingredientIt’s turns a bottle of wine into a work of art. And here’s the exciting part: humans are more similar to those little globes of goodness than you might think. We share a significant portion of our DNA with them. So, if terroir can shape grapes into something extraordinary, why shouldn’t it do the same for us?
But perhaps, as we sip our wine, the terroirs whispers these thoughts into our minds. So, let’s uncover the secrets of terroir to discover our unique essence. Let’s find the environments, the communities, and the experiences that unlock a world of endless possibilities.
