Research Focus: Authenticity, Chenin blanc and de-alcoholised wines

by | Jul 21, 2024 | South Africa Wine Scan

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 field, are expected to provide critical insights into advancements in wine production and authenticity verification.

The first project, “Critical Wine Analyses for Monitoring Authenticity Adulteration – Tools for the Authentication of South African Wines,” is led by Dr Francois van Jaarsveld at the ARC Infruitec-Nietvoorbij. Recognised as a flagship initiative, this project addresses the pressing need to authenticate South African wines to combat fraud and ensure quality, particularly in the export market. This research focuses on developing and optimising local analytical methods, such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), to replace the expensive practice of sending samples to international laboratories. By validating and comparing FT-IR with other methods, this project aims to enhance local wine authentication capabilities by evaluating data from commercial and authentic wines.

In a bid to enhance the profitability and market value of South African Chenin blanc, Prof Melané Vivier from the South African Grape and Wine Research Institute (SAGWRI) at Stellenbosch University is leading the second project, “Premiumisation and Value Growth of South African Chenin blanc Wine.” This multidisciplinary research seeks to balance yield and quality to ensure economic sustainability for wine producers. The project encompasses five work streams: market and product intelligence, distinctive SA Chenin blancs, production for profit, juice-to-wine processes, and support systems. This research will use a model vineyard with various trellising systems to study the impact of different yield scenarios. Comprehensive data analysis and a market-driven approach aim to identify the optimal grape production and winemaking techniques to elevate the market position of Chenin blanc.

The third project, “South African De-Alcoholised Wines,” led by Prof Wessel du Toit, also from SAGWRI at Stellenbosch University, addresses the category of de-alcoholised (de-alc) wines. This study aims to fill the knowledge gap regarding the chemical and sensorial composition of de-alc wines, primarily produced in South Africa using spinning cone column technology (SCC). The project will benchmark South African de-alc wines against their international counterparts, study the effects of base wine and additives on the final product’s quality, and investigate the necessary actions to ensure the microbial and chemical stability of these wines over time. The findings are expected to enhance South African de-alc wines’ competitive edge and quality in the global market.

South Africa Wine is committed to funding academic research projects that span vineyard management, pest and disease control, grape and wine quality improvement, climate change adaptation, water efficiency, soil health, and sustainable production practices. Through close collaboration with industry stakeholders, including wine producers, winemakers, researchers, and academic institutions, we aim to facilitate sustainable grape and wine production, delivering quality wines that can be marketed and sold profitably.

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