Knowing when to harvest is a key step in the making of a good wine. Why is the timing of harvest so critical? How can …
Linking wine sensory properties with harvest date (part 1)
Tag: Fruit quality
Following the timing of vine nitrogen absorption
Nitrogen absorption is one of the key contributors to vine vigor and fruit quality. While nitrogen deficiency can limit vine growth, excessive nitrogen could lead …
Managing berry phenolics in a hot climate: leaf removal and water deficit
How can we combine leaf removal and irrigation techniques to optimize flavonoid concentration in grape berries? Focusing on the hot, arid winegrowing region of San …
Water deficit impacts on fruit color and quality
If you’re a frequent reader of this blog, you are probably familiar with the idea of applying water deficit to vines. Sap Flow, our longest …
Tannin structure, development and activity
Tannin is a key determinant of astringency in wines. Dr. Kennedy’s talk at our 2015 Vintage Report conference in Napa explores how tannin structure interacts …
Harvest, maceration and seed tannin extraction
In the previous blog entry, we discussed how different winemaking techniques impact wine sensory properties and phenolic contents. It’s interesting to see how variations in …
Wine quality and vineyard sustainability: comparing organic, biodynamic and conventional viticulture
In most winegrowing countries, organic viticulture is gaining more and more importance. However, in most non-European countries organic viticulture is still in the initial stages. …
Linking carbohydrate reserves, climate and agricultural practices
Carbohydrate reserves play a critical role in the grapevine growth cycle by providing a carbon source to support root and shoot growth after bud break. …
Mapping rotundone spatial variability to influence wine aroma
Rotundone is a fruit compound responsible for the peppery aroma in wines. Because of its low sensory detection threshold (16 ng/L in red wine and …
Understanding nutrient uptake: Why a plant-based approach helps you improve fruit and wine composition
Historical context Why measuring sap flow leads to understanding nutrient uptake? All vine organs are connected via the sap. Thanks to the flow of sap, …