Location: Emerald Exchange office in Mendocino, CA
Michael Katz on right, Justin Calvino on the left SAGE CALVINO
I am a fanatic for a little thing named terroir, no not terror, but terroir. In the study of wine, it’s a French word that means quite simply, the taste of the place. The characteristics of the soil, the rock and the drainage. The way of the earth. In ultra-high end cannabis it’s also the taste of the place. Hey, wait a minute, didn’t I just say that in wine that terroir is the French word that describes the taste of the place, yet in cannabis it’s the same thing? Well my friends may I suggest drinking wines from the same regions that cannabis is grown. You’ll be astounded, just like I was when we started discussing appellations and the deeply sensual characteristics of the soil. Who knew that rocks would be sexy? (They are, especially with grape vines struggling out of the crushed stones and crystals. The taste of the place in wine is essential. Just like the difference between pretty label wines and true garragist wines. Then, organically our the conversation leaks into Biodynamics. Did you know that Rudolph Steiner developed the theories of Biodynamics in the late 1800’s? Steiner saw himself as a clairvoyant of the earth. That the soil is a living thing and it requires self-regulating utilizing techniques of a purely organic manner? That different types of organic applications give the soil acidity but others make the soil sing its own song of renewal. That Biodynamics teach me everything that I need to know about growing vegetables and cannabis. Preferably together, along with wild herbs. The taste of the place, the taste of the soil, the way things are grown. No chemical manipulations or augmentations are allowed, ever. We need to have this conversation about replenishing the soil with nutrients that add balance and structure to the growing process. That outdoor grown cannabis naturally tastes better. Less corporate. More passion. You may disagree with me. That’s fine, the massive cannabis conglomerates are not worried about craft cannabis, just like the massive liquor manufacturers are not worried about craft spirits. They aren’t even on the radar. Sure everyone wants to make money in cannabis. But corporate weed has no place at the craft table, just like speed rack quality whiskey can never be called Straight Bourbon. There is a difference in craft spirits as there is in craft cannabis. I’m absolutely positive that all craft cannabis growers want to earn a good living for their talent. By creating a workable format for an appellation, these mom, and pop cannabis growers will raise their bar. Initially growers may doubt the path of an appellation, but with quality comes success. And organic success doesn’t have to be corporate run to earn a very fine living for themselves. That’s why in France, where appellations have contributed to the quality of life itself. Not a bad way to become known for utter quality over quantity.
Read More Here At Forbes: https://www.forbes.com/sites/warrenbobrow/2019/06/06/terroir-in-craft-cannabis-emerald-triangle-fashion/#62f60b094ca0