Minerality is not linked to soil type
The term "minerality" is frequently used to describe high-quality still-white wines from cooler regions, such as Chablis. However, its sensory meaning and the factors responsible for its presence in wine…
Research Focus: Authenticity, Chenin blanc and de-alcoholised wines
South Africa Wine has commenced funding three research projects in 2024 to enhance the authenticity, quality, and marketability of South African wines. These projects, led by prominent researchers in the…
Vine shoot extract as an alternative to sulphur dioxide
Sulphur dioxide (SO2) is widely used in the wine industry for its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. European Union regulations limit SO2 content in red and white wines to 150 mg/L…
Cultivar differences in susceptibility to esca trunk disease
Esca is a severe vascular disease of the grapevine for which there is no cost-effective cure. Vines eventually die because of deficient sap flow and must be replaced at a…
Commercial yeast nutrients and atypical ageing
Yeast nutrients, or yeast derivatives (YDs) as referred to in the referenced article, are widely used in winemaking to enhance fermentation, provide essential nutrients, and improve the sensory qualities of…
Reducing stress with overhead sprinklers during heatwaves
Heat waves are common during most seasons in many grape-growing regions. They negatively affect the quantity and quality of the crop, especially during water shortage periods. Proactive irrigation before these…
Optimal cover crop termination strategy
In France, the term service crop is used rather than cover crop. It refers to different services the crop delivers to the soil and vines. Just like in South Africa,…
Vitamin preferences of non-Saccharomyces wine yeasts
In winemaking, the spotlight has recently shifted towards non-Saccharomyces yeasts, which have shown significant potential to enhance the complexity and quality of wines. While Saccharomyces cerevisiae has long been the…
Improving wine quality control using an electronic tongue
Ensuring wine quality throughout production is vital for customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. Microbial spoilage organisms pose a significant risk to wine quality, requiring early detection and management of faults.…
Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria
Grape production in the Sao Francisco Valley in Brazil requires large amounts of fertiliser input, fuelling cost inflation for producers. Researchers prospected six sites for plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria to identify…