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LANDMARK 2016
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D
r David Lopez has always had
a great passion for wine and
viniculture, which stems from a
belief that wine is an aspirational drink.
“Wine should not be considered an
alcoholic beverage, as it brings about
other emotions. Wine tells you the story of
a year, a landscape, people. It’s all about
geography; you’ll travel around the world
when you learn to decode that message.”
Specialising in wines of the world, David is
interested in grape variety and geography.
“The grape approach is the easiest way to
learn about wine,” he explains. “Almost all
wines are made from the same species of
grape vine; vitis vinifera, so names such
as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay,
Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Shiraz
all refer to single varieties of the same
grape vine. While grape variety is a key
factor in determining how a wine tastes,
different soils, sun exposures, and
climates also play a part. Geography
is important for gaining a deeper
understanding of wine diversity.”
It was David’s love of Champagne wines
in particular that prompted him to enter
the European Champagne Ambassadors
Awards. He was elated to be named
Ambassador for Champagne in Spain
2016, commenting, “Champagne is the
best wine in the world. It represents the
joy of living and the joy of being alive,
and I’m thrilled to be its Ambassador.
Within this role, I’m keen
to learn more about
Champagne, whilst
giving presentations, and
promoting knowledge.”
As Ambassador for
Champagne in Spain,
David competed in the European Final
in France in October 2015. “The nine
European finalists spent a glorious week
in Champagne; wine tasting, visiting, and
learning, before competing for the ultimate
title. For me, the prize was to be there. The
awards ceremony was sheer perfection;
the food was excellent and the Champagne
was flowing.”
David first came to the Royal Agricultural
University on a six month Erasmus
scholarship in 1992, but leapt at the
chance to become a fully-fledged Masters
student within the School of Business and
Entrepreneurship. “Coming to the RAU
was the best decision. The MSc taught
me more than just business management
theory and practice; I learnt how to solve
problems, how to face new situations, how
to ask questions, and most importantly,
how to challenge the conventions.”
Graduating in 1995, David was presented
with his Masters degree by HRH The
Prince of Wales, at a special Convocation
ceremony marking 150 years of the
RAU. He spent several years teaching
mechanics, before embarking on a PhD
in wine co-operatives in 2000.
“I wanted to challenge myself, and
research is something that’s always
interested me. My PhD ‘Success and failure
of co-operatives’ focused on the objectives,
profitability, and responsibility of wine
co-operatives – I found myself tasting wines
and visiting wineries, which was fantastic.
I was awarded my PhD in 2003, which
opened the door to the wine sector and led
to my role as Ambassador of Champagne
for Spain.”
Wine lecturer, researcher, and self-confessed
wine enthusiast, Dr David Lopez is keen to embrace
his latest role – Ambassador for Champagne in
Spain 2016.
Name:
David Lopez
Course:
MSc Business Management in the Agriculture and Food Industries
Class of:
1995
PROFILE
Grape
expectations
Dr David Lopez (centre) at the Final of the European Champagne Ambassadors Awards