The Australian Wine Research Institute

The Australian Wine Research Institute Blog

AWRI Board election

30 September 2014 >

Elections will be held for the vacant positions on the AWRI Board of Directors in the small producer category (<2,000 tonnes) and large producer category (>50,000).

Two nominations were received in the small category:

  • Mary Retallack of Retallack Viticulture (SA)
  • John Harvey of Bathe Wines (SA)

Two nominations were received in the large category:

  • Stuart McNab of Treasury Wine Estates (SA)
  • Rob Glastonbury of De Bortoli Wines (NSW)

Producers in the small and large categories are strongly encouraged to vote for their preferred candidate. This is an excellent opportunity to have a say in electing a candidate that can contribute to the Australian grape and wine research and development agenda.

The election will be conducted electronically with assistance from Elections Australia Pty Ltd. Voting instructions will be sent to all small and large levy payers in the week commencing 13 October 2014. Voting will close at 5 pm, Friday 31 October 2014.  Candidate profiles (if provided) are available from the AWRI website. If you do not receive voting instructions and believe you are eligible to vote please contact the AWRI.

For medium producers, a single nomination was received, so an election is not required. The AWRI is therefore pleased to announce that Mr Kim Horton of Ferngrove Wines has been elected to the AWRI Board.

For further information please contact Shiralee Dodd (08) 8313 6610 or shiralee.dodd@awri.com.au.

Raising a glass to two top tasters

8 September 2014 >

The Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI) and the Royal Adelaide Wine Show announced today the winners of the dux of the two most recent AWACs. Mr Lim Hwee Peng, Educator and Consultant of Winecraft Marketing & Services, based in Singapore, was named dux of AWAC 33 and Ms Rose Kentish, Winemaker, Ulithorne Wines, was named dux of AWAC 34.

eNews – September 2014

4 September 2014 >

Nominations open for AWRI Board positions

Crossflow queries

Survey to steer climate program

New Fellows Appointed

Allergen updates for the UK and Brazil

Messages from vintage 2014

Spring events across NSW and Victoria

A winner and a runner-up in the 2014 SA Science Excellence Awards

Recent literature

Acknowledgement

Nominations open for AWRI Board positions

Nominations are sought for three levy payer-elected Director positions on the AWRI Board, which will become vacant on 31 December 2014. The AWRI’s Constitution provides that there will be not fewer than seven nor more than eleven Directors. Six of those directors are nominated and/or elected by organisations that pay the Wine Grapes Levy (levy payers). Nominations close on Friday, 26 September 2014 at 5:00 pm.

Levy payers in the small (<2,000 tonnes), medium (2,001-50,000 tonnes) and large (50,001+ tonnes) producer categories are called on to nominate suitably qualified candidates for the vacant positions.

This is an excellent opportunity for an interested candidate to become involved in the Australian wine industry’s own R&D organisation and provide a ‘coalface’ perspective on the direction and priorities of the AWRI’s research, development, extension and commercialisation activities.

In the event that more than one nomination is received for a particular category, an election will be held. Levy payers in that particular category will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidate. If an election is necessary, it will be held in October/November 2014 and further information will be published at the time. Successful candidates will take office on 1 January 2015 for a term of three years.

All levy payers will be sent an explanatory letter and nomination form via email in the first week of September. Nominations close on Friday, 26 September 2014 at 5:00 pm. Nomination forms and further information on the AWRI Board and details of the nomination/election process can be found on the AWRI website.

Crossflow queries

From time to time the AWRI helpdesk takes an enquiry that goes something like this: “My wine was very difficult to filter via crossflow, what could be the cause?” It is a good question as most wines do fly through crossflow filters, primarily due to the way the continuous flow filter has been engineered. It seems, however, that some wine components and instabilities can actually block or slow crossflow filters down, and it’s the shape and size of the material that creates the blockage.

Both calcium tartrate crystals and polysaccharides can cause blockages or slow crossflow filters down. Polysaccharides, whether they are acting alone or in combination with other colloids, can substantially increase the time required to crossflow filter a wine. The best remedial treatment in this case is to use a suitable enzyme to break the polysaccharides down. A simple test that can determine if a wine contains high levels of polysaccharides is available on the AWRI website.

Another important point to note is that crossflow filters are not a replacement for membrane filters. Yeast and bacteria can pass through crossflow filtration and later cause instability problems in packaged wine. Winemakers planning to use crossflow filtration immediately prior to bottle are recommended to include a membrane filter in series after the crossflow to avoid microbial instability problems.

For further assistance regarding filtration difficulties or other winemaking issues, contact the AWRI helpdesk on 08 8313 6600 or winemakingservices@awri.com.au.

Survey to steer climate program

In July, the AWRI launched a new extension program ‘Opportunities in a new climate’. This program, supported by the Australian Government, will deliver tailored information to the grape and wine sector on climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, carbon storage and the Carbon Farming Initiative/Emissions Reduction Fund. Presentations from the launch event and from a subsequent workshop are now available from the program webpage.

Planning is now underway for the events and resources that will be provided across Australia’s wine regions. Please help optimise this process by completing a five minute survey.

If you have any questions about this survey or the program being delivered, please contact Mardi Longbottom on 08 8313 6600 or viticulture@awri.com.au

New Fellows Appointed

Two new Honorary Fellows have been appointed at the AWRI in recent weeks, Associate Professor Peter Dry and Professor Sakkie Pretorius.

Associate Professor Peter Dry, who has worked at the AWRI as Viticulture Consultant for the past six years, is retiring from that position this month. Peter is a highly respected viticulturist with a long history of involvement in the research and education activities of the Australian wine sector. Peter will stay on as an AWRI Emeritus Fellow and remain involved in several of the AWRI’s viticulture extension activities.

Professor Sakkie Pretorius, a former Managing Director of the AWRI and currently Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) at Macquarie University, will continue his formal association with the AWRI as an AWRI Honorary Fellow. Sakkie is a well-known microbiologist who has been at the forefront of wine yeast microbiology and molecular biology over the past two decades. The appointment will strengthen the links between the AWRI and Macquarie University, which are collaborating on a number of wine-relevant research projects, including the synthetic biology/Yeast 2.0 project announced earlier in 2014.

Allergen updates for the UK and Brazil

Updated information on allergen labelling has recently come from the UK and Brazil.

Changes to rules in UK

The UK Food Standards Agency has recently issued technical guidance to help small and medium-sized businesses comply with new rules on allergen labelling and information, which take effect later this year. The guidance is being published following a public consultation. From 13 December 2014, food businesses in the UK will have to follow new labelling rules.

Concerning wine, item 24 of the guidance states:

In the case of wine and wine fining agents derived from egg and milk, EU Regulation No.579/2012 will need to be considered. In determining whether egg and milk fining agents are still present in wine, they should not be found at the limit of detection (<0.25 mg per litre) as indicated in EU Regulation No. 579/2012. Where egg or milk fining agents are not detected at these levels, they are exempt from the allergen labelling requirements. The full guidance can be found at: http://multimedia.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/guidance/allergen-labelling-technical-guidance.pdf.

Brazil: Draft Legislation for Mandatory Allergen Labelling

Brazil has notified the World Trade Organization of draft legislation that will make it mandatory for pre-packaged foods (including alcoholic beverages) to contain warnings of allergenic ingredients. The draft indicated nine allergenic ingredients but, unlike EU regulations, does not include mustard, celery, sesame, lupin or molluscs. The legislation will also make it mandatory to state if a product contains or does not contain gluten, and indicates a minimum font size will apply. The draft legislation is currently only available in Portuguese online. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

For further information on regulatory matters, please contact Steve Guy (AGWA) on steve.guy@awga.net.au or Creina Stockley (AWRI) on Creina.Stockley@awri.com.au.

Messages from vintage 2014

In the July/August edition of Wine & Viticulture Journal, the AWRI report presented a summary of technical trends from vintage 2014. Weather-related issues were prominent, with frosts, heatwaves and bushfires all featuring across Australia’s wine regions. On the regulatory front, new limits on manganese copper and iron concentrations for wines exported to China were the biggest issue. The full article is now available online here.

The knowledge gained via the helpdesk during vintage 2014 and previous vintages will feed into future events and communications, helping industry to deal with similar issues next time they occur. In particular, the AWRI’s current workshop ‘Adapting to Difficult Vintages’ provides tools for both viticulturists and winemakers to manage the types of weather-related issues encountered during vintage 2014. For more information, contact the helpdesk team on winemakingservices@awri.com.au or 08 8313 6600.

Spring events across NSW and Victoria

A number of AWRI events are happening across NSW and Victoria in September and October, including field days, workshops, and seminars. Details of all events can be found on the AWRI events calendar along with links to online event registration.

Vine Health Field Days will be held as part of the NSW Dept of Primary Industries Viticulture Skills Development program:

4 September – Griffith (Griffith Exies Club)
5 September – Irymple (DEPI)

Three Grapevine Nutrition Workshops will be held as part of the same program:

16 September – Orange (Charles Sturt Vineyard & Cellar Door)
18 September – Hunter Valley (Tuscany Estate Resort)
21 October – Canberra (Four Winds Vineyard & Cellar Door)

Two AWRI Grape and Wine Roadshow Seminars are coming up in Victoria. Dates and regions are confirmed, but the rest of the details are work in progress. Keep an eye on the events calendar for updates.

24 September – Geelong
25 September – Macedon/Sunbury (Grange at Cleveland, Lancefield)

For more information about AWRI events, phone 08 83136600 or email events@awri.com.au.

A winner and a runner-up in the 2014 SA Science Excellence Awards

Winners of the 2014 SA Science Excellence Awards were recently announced at a gala dinner at the Adelaide Town Hall. The AWRI’s two nominees, Josh Hixson and Marlize Viviers were very successful, with Josh winning the Life and Environmental Sciences category, and Marlize named runner-up in the Physical Sciences, Mathematics & Engineering category. Josh was recognised for his work understanding tannins in grape marc and how feeding grape marc to ruminant animals can help reduce emissions of methane. Marlize was recognised for her research into ‘stinky’ sulfur compounds in wine. Congratulations to both!

The SA Science Excellence Awards acknowledge the achievements of science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals and teachers who are making an outstanding contribution to society both nationally and internationally.

Recent literature

The John Fornachon Memorial Library at the AWRI delivers journal articles and loans books to Australian grapegrowers and winemakers. Publications can be searched and requested via the Library catalogue – or you can email the AWRI with your request. A list of recent AWRI publications follows.

  • To order AWRI staff publications and articles from Technical Review please contact the Library.
  • Articles and books on specific topics can be searched for and ordered via the Library catalogue.
  • To request a Literature search on a specific topic contact the Library via email or telephone 08 8313 6600.

Recent AWRI staff publications

1636 McRae, J.M., Kirby, N., Mertens, H.D.T., Kassara, S., Smith, P.A. Measuring the molecular dimensions of wine tannins: comparison of small-angle x-ray scattering, gel-permeation chromatography and mean degree of polymerization. J. Agric. Food Chem. 62 (29): 7216-7224; 2014.

1637 Cowey, G. Ask the AWRI: the ABCs of filtration and what works for you. Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower Winemaker (606): p.60; 2014.

1638 McRae, J., Smith, P. Closure selection and pH influence on red wine color and tannin during bottle aging. Wines Vines 95 (6): 64-66; 2014.

1639 Coulter, A., Cowey, G., Dry, P., Essling, M., Holdstock, M., Stockley, C., Simos, C., Johnson, D. Vintage 2014 – trends from the AWRI helpdesk. Wine Vitic. J. 29 (4): 34-36; 2014.

1640 Dry, P. Albariño. Wine Vitic. J. 29 (4): p. 60; 2014.

1641 Johnson, D. Opportunities in a new climate. Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower Winemaker (607): p. 7; 2014.

1642 Longbottom, M. Adaptation, mitigation and innovation in a changing climate. Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower Winemaker (607): p. 16; 2014.

1643 Longbottom, M. Ask the AWRI: Viticulture and greenhouse gas emissions. Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower Winemaker (607): p. 54; 2014.

1644 Ruiz-Garcia, Y., Smith, P.A., Bindon, K.A. Selective extraction of polysaccharide affects the adsorption of proanthocyanidin by grape cell walls. Carbohyd. Polym. DOI:10.1016/j.carbpol.2014.07.024: 48 p.; 2014.

1645 Stockley, C.S. Chair of WineHealth 2013 scientific advisory committee. Nutrition and Aging 2(2-3): 77-79; 2014.

1646 Scholey, A., Benson, S., Stough, C., Stockley, C. Effects of resveratrol and alcohol on mood and cognitive function in older individuals. Nutrition and Aging 2(2-3): 133-138; 2014.

1647 Jolly, N.P., Varela, C., Pretorius, I.S. Role of non-Saccharomyces yeasts in wine production. Wines Vines 95 (7): 52, 54, 56; 2014.

1648 Albertin, W., Panfili, A., Miot-Sertier, C., Goulielmakis, A., Delcamp, A., Salin, F., Lonvaud-Funel, A., Curtin, C., Masneuf-Pomarede, I. Development of microsatellite markers for the rapid and reliable genotyping of Brettanomyces bruxellensis at strain level. Food Microbiol. 42: 188-195; 2014.

1649 Bizaj, E., Curtin, C., Cadež, N., Raspor, P. Interactions between industrial yeasts and chemical contaminants in grape juice affect wine composition profile. Food Technol. Biotechnol. 52 (2): 222-231; 2014.

1650 Dry, P., Dry, N. Carignan – the unmasking of an imposter. Wine Vitic. J. 29 (4): 49-52; 2014.

1651 Marty, P. Sparkling wine production in the southeast of England. Wine Vitic. J. 29 (4): p. 60; 2014.

1652 Kidman, C.M., Dry, P.R., McCarthy, M.G., Collins, C. Effect of rootstock on nutrition, pollination and fertilisation in ‘Shiraz’ (Vitis Vinifera L.). Vitis 53 (3): 139-145; 2014.

Acknowledgement

The AWRI acknowledges funding from Australia’s grapegrowers and winemakers through their investment body, the Australian Grape and Wine Authority, with matching funds from the Australian Government. The AWRI is a member of the Wine Innovation Cluster in Adelaide, South Australia.

Disclaimer

The material contained in this publication is comment of a general nature only and is not and nor is it intended to be advice on any specific technical or professional matter. In that the effectiveness or accuracy of any technical or professional advice depends upon the particular circumstances of each case, neither the AWRI nor any individual author accepts any responsibility whatsoever for any acts or omissions resulting from reliance upon the content of any articles. Before acting on the basis of any material contained in this publication, we recommend that you consult appropriate technical/professional advisers.

Nominations open for AWRI Board positions

3 September 2014 >

Nominations are sought for three levy payer-elected Director positions on the AWRI Board, which will become vacant on 31 December 2014. The AWRI’s Constitution provides that there will be not fewer than seven nor more than eleven Directors. Six of those directors are nominated and/or elected by organisations that pay the Wine Grapes Levy (levy payers). Nominations close on Friday, 26 September 2014 at 5:00 pm.

Levy payers in the small (<2,000 tonnes), medium (2,001-50,000 tonnes) and large (50,001+ tonnes) producer categories are called on to nominate suitably qualified candidates for the vacant positions. This is an excellent opportunity for an interested candidate to become involved in the Australian wine industry’s own R&D organisation and provide a ‘coalface’ perspective on the direction and priorities of the AWRI’s research, development, extension and commercialisation activities. In the event that more than one nomination is received for a particular category, an election will be held. Levy payers in that particular category will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred candidate. If an election is necessary, it will be held in October/November 2014 and further information will be published at the time. Successful candidates will take office on 1 January 2015 for a term of three years. All levy payers will be sent an explanatory letter and nomination form via email in the first week of September. Nominations close on Friday, 26 September 2014 at 5:00 pm. Nomination forms and further information on the AWRI Board and details of the nomination/election process can be found here.

AWRI 2014 webinar series

27 August 2014 >

The AWRI’s fourth webinar series will launch in early September, with sessions continuing until mid-December. The 2014 webinar program is outlined below and can be accessed via the webinar page on the AWRI website.

Webinars are interactive online seminars where you participate from your desk using a computer with internet access. You hear the presenter’s voice, see their slides and have the opportunity to ask questions after the presentation. Presentations are made by experts in their field, with a focus on practical advice and support.

Each webinar consists of a presentation followed by a Q&A session and is held at 11:30 am Australian Central Time (Adelaide, GMT+9:30), usually on a Tuesday or Thursday. Webinars are presented free of charge.

If there’s an interesting topic that you would like to see a webinar on, please get in touch. Note that webinars from previous years are also available for viewing on demand.

Away from your computer, the AWRI roadshow team will be out and about presenting seminars and workshops across a number of regions in the next few months. To find out more, keep an eye on the AWRI events calendar.

Presentation Presenter Date

Changes to chemical labels for spray drift reduction

Dave Rumbold
(The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority)

9
September

Carbohydrate management and vineyard productivity

Jason Smith
(National Wine and Grape Industry Centre, Charles Sturt University)

11
September

How to choose the right Shiraz clone for your vineyard

Nick Dry
(Yalumba Wines)

16
September

Adding value in the winery

Rob Glastonbury
(De Bortoli Wines)

2
October

The revolving door of stinky sulfurs

Marlize Viviers
(AWRI)

7
October

A comparison trial of organic, biodynamic and conventional viticulture in Australia

Cassandra Collins
(The University of Adelaide)

9
October

Impact of terroir on sensory composition of wine (Note: This session begins at 4.00pm CST)

Ulrich Fischer
(DLR Rheinpfalz)

14
October

Riverland revitalisation

Ashley Ratcliff
(Yalumba Wines)

23
October

SO2, the misunderstood component

Eric Wilkes
(AWRI)

28
October

Cultural practices to improve fruit set

Peter Dry
(AWRI)

4
November

How the latest research is helping grape growers control trunk disease?

Matt Ayres
(South Australian Research and Development Institute)

6
November

The Emissions Reduction Fund, climate change policy and the impact on the grape and wine sector

Geoff Cowey
(AWRI)

11
November

Recent developments in international wine regulations

Steve Guy
(Australian Grape and Wine Authority)

18
November

Recent advances in the development of alternatives to bentonite

Jacqui McRae
(AWRI)

20
November

TBA

TBA

25
November

TBA

TBA

27
November

eBooks – introducing the AWRI’s brand new Grape and Wine eBook collection

Michael Downie
(AWRI)

2
December

Precision Viticulture – tools for making viticulture more precise

Hans Loder
(Industry consultant)

4
December

What you need to know about rehydration nutrients and nutrient additives?

Simon Schmidt
(AWRI)

9
December

Maximising quality during bulk wine transport

Simon Nordestgaard
(AWRI)

16
December

Register now or find out more at: https://www.awri.com.au/industry_support/courses-seminars-workshops/webinars/.

Registration confirmation

After registration, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to join the session.

System requirements

You will need a computer with Internet connection. Participants can dial in via phone using the provided number or audio can be connected over the Internet using your computer’s microphone and speakers (Voice over Internet Protocol – VOIP). A headset is highly recommended.

Further information

Please contact infoservices@awri.com.au or phone 08 8313 6600.

Technical Review August 2014 issue available online

6 August 2014 >

The August 2014 issue of Technical Review is now available online. Articles and abstracts can be viewed individually, or the full issue can be downloaded. Access is available only to Australian winemakers and grapegrowers who pay the Wine Grapes or Grape Research levies. The new online Technical Review allows you to browse the list of the latest articles on grape and wine production by keyword, view article summaries and order journal articles from the AWRI Library.

Below is a snapshot of what’s in this issue:

AWRI Technical Notes
  • Nutrients to support fermentation – what are they and do they work?
  • How can viticulture contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions?
AWRI publications
  • Ask the AWRI: Can you achieve yield control in the vineyard without using bunch thinning?
  • Thinking outside the bottle: information about Australia can increase the choice of Australian wines by Chinese consumers
  • Predicting and preparing for heatwaves
  • Proctase – a viable alternative to bentonite for protein stabilisation of white wines
Current literature – oenology
  • Strategies to improve profitability in the winery
  • The winery of the future
  • Origins of grape and wine aroma. Part 1. Chemical components and viticultural impacts
  • Origins of grape and wine aroma. Part 2. Chemical and sensory analysis
  • Impact of headspace oxygen and copper and iron addition on oxygen consumption rate, sulphur dioxide loss, colour and sensory properties of Riesling wine
  • ‘Brett character’ in wine: is there a consensus among professional assessors? A perceptual and conceptual approach
  • ‘Alternative’ rosés – don’t judge them by their colour
  • Ramping up your winery’s lab
Current literature – viticulture
  • Characterization of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) berry sunburn symptoms by reflectance
  • Effects of defoliation and water restriction on total phenols and antioxidant activities in grapes during ripening
  • There is still life, even after a killer frost hits
  • Role of soil moisture at bud break
  • Mulch versus compost: What works best in your vineyard?

eNews – July 2014

8 July 2014 >

Opportunities in a new climate
New ‘Dog book’ available
Maximising the potential of grape marc
Time for topworking?
Winehealth 2013 proceedings online
CMC questions answered
Website updates
A smart way to access library resources
Harvest radio podcast
Recent literature
Acknowledgement

Opportunities in a new climate

On 1 July the AWRI launched a new extension program focused on building resilience and sustainability in the grape and wine sector. More than 100 members of the wine industry gathered at the launch at the National Wine Centre in Adelaide to hear the latest information from climate experts and learn from the experiences of industry practitioners leading the way in climate adaptation.

Highlights included: a presentation from Prof. Will Steffen on the implications of climate change for the wine industry, information from Taylors’ Wines and Yalumba about their approaches to adaptation, an update on forecasting extreme weather from the Bureau of Meteorology and the latest on the Australian Wine Carbon Calculator from the Winemakers’ Federation of Australia.

Funded by the Australian Government, the new program will deliver tailored resources to the wine industry, focusing on climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, carbon storage and the Carbon Farming Initiative/Emissions Reduction Fund. Workshops will be presented across Australia’s wine regions and grapegrowers and winemakers with questions about climate adaptation will be able to contact the program team at the AWRI to gain up-to-date advice and assistance.

If you were unable to attend this week’s launch and you are interested in this program, register your interest here. The presentations at the launch were filmed and will be available from the AWRI website soon – in the mean time, interviews with some of the speakers on SA Country Hour can be heard here.

New ‘Dog book’ available

The 2014/15 version of the AWRI’s booklet Agrochemicals registered for use in Australian viticulture, commonly known as the ‘Dog book’ is now available. The booklet will be distributed by mail to Australian levy payers and will also be included as an insert in the July edition of Australian & New Zealand Grapegrower & Winemaker.

The information in the ‘Dog book’ can be accessed in a number of different ways: the printed booklet, a pdf version of the booklet, the agrochemical online search webpage or the agrochemicals app available from iTunes or Google Play. While the printed version is updated yearly, the pdf version, search page and apps contain the most recent information as they are updated as changes occur. For more information about agrochemicals, visit the agrochemicals page on the AWRI website or contact the AWRI helpdesk on 08 8313 6600 or viticulture@awri.com.au.

Maximising the potential of grape marc

The AWRI is currently in the first year of a project investigating the practicalities of using steam distilled grape marc as a supplement in livestock feed to reduce methane emissions. This work builds on research which has demonstrated a reduction in methane emissions from ruminant animals that were fed grape marc. The new project is working on designing practical solutions for grape marc storage and feeding all year round in order to make the concept feasible in a commercial setting. One of the challenges to be overcome is the tendency for mould to grow on grape marc.

When stored aerobically, mould can grow on grape marc within a 24 to 48 hour window post-pressing. During anaerobic storage, on the other hand, acids are produced which preserve the marc and prevent mould growth. This then allows the product to be stored over long periods of time. The AWRI is currently trialling a number of different anaerobic storage techniques and treatments to identify the most practical and effective option.

Using buckets as mock mini-silos, the project team tested a number of common agricultural feed additives to investigate their ability to prevent mould formation during storage; however only a select few improved the stability of the stored grape marc. On a larger scale, a common method of storing grain has been adapted for grape marc storage. The Grain Bag (see photos below) stores grape marc in a compacted form which removes excess oxygen and gives the desired anaerobic environment.

grape-marc-1 grape-marc-2

Using a similar principle, grape marc was also made into bales, both as 100% grape marc and combined with other stock feed. The baling system produces compact film wrapped bales, weighing between 750 and 1000 kg. A range of bales was generated, combining grape marc with different fibrous forages to determine the optimal bale content for structural integrity and minimisation of on-site waste. Check out this video to see the process of baling 100% grape marc.

Once an optimal grape marc storage and treatment method has been identified, the project will move on to a larger scale trial with a commercial feedlot. For more information, please contact Kieran Hirlam, Project Technician Commercial Services, kieran.hirlam@awri.com.au or 08 8313 6600. The AWRI project Using grape marc as a feed additive in commercial settings is supported by funding from the Australian Government.

Time for topworking?

Now is the time that many growers are thinking about collecting cuttings for topworking or ordering planting material from a nursery for new vineyard development. It is important to remember that decisions taken now will have a huge impact on the success of the new vineyard for many years. The wrong decision could come at a high cost.

If considering topworking, it is important to have the virus and crown gall status of both new scion and existing vines checked beforehand. Infected material may result in poor production and even vine death. Never collect scion cuttings from grafted vines because there is a high risk of infection. If collecting cuttings yourself, you should have tagged the best vines from the intended source block in the previous growing season so as to avoid off-type vines or those with virus symptoms, poor yield and so on. The best vines for cuttings are not necessarily those closest to the vineyard gate!

Whatever the nature of planting material, it is highly desirable to source this from a reputable nursery. This approach provides the greatest chance of getting material that is clonal and true to type, free of harmful viruses, and has been heat treated and stored correctly. Callused cuttings have the advantage that they are the cheapest to purchase and require the least lead time when ordering. However, they require the highest level of pre-plant soil preparation and greatest amount of care after planting. Dormant rootlings have the lowest risk because they are hardy and have the fastest rate of establishment. However, they must generally be ordered well in advance. Potted vines cost about the same as rootlings and can be ordered later but they require similar pre-and post-planting care as callused cuttings. All of the above should only be considered for virgin ground. If replanting, the best results in the long term will be achieved with grafted vines—the choice of rootstock will depend on the site and scion variety and can be determined in consultation with the nursery.

Winehealth 2013 proceedings online

The proceedings of the WineHealth 2013 conference held in Sydney last July are now available online as a special issue of the journal Nutrition and Aging. This is an open access journal, so the papers in the proceedings are freely accessible. A summary of key messages from the conference originally published in Wine & Viticulture Journal Volume 28 Issue 5 (Sep/Oct 2013) is also available.

Topics covered in the proceedings include: impacts of wine consumption on cardiovascular disease, effects on mood, cognitive function, and vascular health, a mini-review of proanthocyanidin metabolism, healthy ageing and more. For more information, please contact Creina Stockley on 08 8313 6600 or creina.stockley@awri.com.au.

CMC questions answered

Energy audits have shown that refrigeration can account for 50 to 70% of the energy requirements of a typical Australian winery. Given rising electricity costs, carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) can be a relatively inexpensive alternative or adjunct to traditional cold stabilisation. Typical questions winemakers ask about CMC are answered in a new collection of FAQs that has just been added to the winemaking resources on the AWRI website.

Website updates

New information is being uploaded or updated on the AWRI website all the time. It might be time to revisit the site to check out what’s new:

A smart way to access library resources

The John Fornachon Memorial Library houses the largest collection of technical wine resources in Australia and the online library catalogue contains over 71,500 books, journal articles, conference proceedings and other references on grape and wine production. A mobile version of the library catalogue is now available for access from the AWRI mobile website, providing a more convenient way to search and order library resources using mobile devices.

Library services are free to members of the Australian grape and wine industry. For copyright reasons, users need to log in using their website account to access the mobile library catalogue. To register for a new account, please click here. If you have any difficulties with the log in process or have forgotten your password, please contact infoservices@awri.com.au.

Harvest radio podcast

AWRI Senior Viticulturist Dr Mardi Longbottom featured on the University of Adelaide’s Harvest Radio program earlier in the year. If you missed the broadcast, a podcast of her interview is available here. In it Mardi discusses her research on N2O emissions in the vineyard and her work with grapegrowers on improving sustainability.

Recent literature

John Fornachon Memorial Library at the AWRI delivers journal articles and loans books to Australian grapegrowers and winemakers. Publications can be searched and requested via the Library catalogue – or you can email the Library with your request. A list of recent AWRI publications follows.

  • To order AWRI staff publications and articles from Technical Review please contact the Library.
  • Articles and books on specific topics can be searched for and ordered via the Library catalogue.
  • To request a Literature search on a specific topic contact the Library via email or telephone 08 8313 6600.

Recent AWRI staff publications

1616 Bindon, K.A., Kassara, S., Cynkar, W.U., Robinson, E.M.C., Scrimgeour, N., Smith, P.A. Comparison of extraction protocols to determine differences in wine-extractable tannin and anthocyanin in Vitis Vinifera L. Cv. Shiraz and Cabernet sauvignon grapes. J. Agric. Food Chem. 62 (20): 4558-4576; 2014.

1617 Dry, P. Pruning systems: a short history of a long practice. Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower Winemaker (604): 54-55; 2014.

1618 Holdstock, M. Ask the AWRI: Here’s the hot topics of vintage 2014. Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower Winemaker (604): p. 79; 2014.

1619 Viviers, M., Smith, M., Wilkes, E., Smith, P., Johnson, D. Role of trace metals in wine ‘reduction’. Wines Vines 95 (5): 86-88; 2014.

1620 Carew, A.L., Lloyd, N.D.R., Close, D.C., Dambergs, R.G. Wine phenolic and aroma outcomes from the application of Controlled Phenolic Release to Pinot Noir must. Beames, K.S., Robinson, E.M.C., Godden P.W., Johnson, D.L. (eds.) Proceedings of the 15th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference: Sydney, New South Wales 13-18 July 2013. Urrbrae, South Australia; The Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference Inc.: 80–84; 2014.

1621 Marangon, M., Van Sluyter, S.C., Robinson, E.M.C., Scrimgeour, N., Muhlack, R.A., Holt, H.E., Waters, E.J., Godden, P.W., Smith, P.A. Proctase – a viable alternative
to bentonite for protein stabilisation of white wines. Beames, K.S., Robinson, E.M.C., Godden P.W., Johnson, D.L. (eds.) Proceedings of the 15th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference: Sydney, New South Wales 13-18 July 2013. Urrbrae, South Australia; The Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference Inc.: 85–89; 2014.

1622 Bindon, K.A., Varela, C.A., Holt, H.E., Williamson, P.O., Francis, I.L., Kennedy, J.A., Herderich, M.J. From grape to consumer: relationships between grape maturity, wine composition and wine sensory properties in Cabernet Sauvignon. Beames, K.S., Robinson, E.M.C., Godden P.W., Johnson, D.L. (eds.) Proceedings of the 15th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference: Sydney, New South Wales 13-18 July 2013. Urrbrae, South Australia; The Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference Inc.: 90–93; 2014.

1623 Contreras, A., Hidalgo, C., Henschke, P.A., Chambers, P.J., Curtin, C.D., Varela, C.A. Can non-conventional yeast be used for the production of wines with lower alcohol concentration? Beames, K.S., Robinson, E.M.C., Godden P.W., Johnson, D.L. (eds.) Proceedings of the 15th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference: Sydney, New South Wales 13-18 July 2013. Urrbrae, South Australia; The Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference Inc.: 94–96; 2014.

1624 Viviers, M.A., Smith, M.E., Wilkes, E., Smith, P.A. Effect of metals on the evolution of volatile sulphur compounds during wine maturation. Beames, K.S., Robinson, E.M.C., Godden P.W., Johnson, D.L. (eds.) Proceedings of the 15th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference: Sydney, New South Wales 13-18 July 2013. Urrbrae, South Australia; The Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference Inc.: 97–101; 2014.

1625 Muhlack, R.A., Forsyth, K.K., Scrimgeour, N., Godden, P.W. Creating value from by-products – and industry review and insights into practical case studies. Beames, K.S., Robinson, E.M.C., Godden P.W., Johnson, D.L. (eds.) Proceedings of the 15th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference: Sydney, New South Wales 13-18 July 2013. Urrbrae, South Australia; The Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference Inc.: 117–119; 2014.

1626 Hayman, P.T., Thomas, D.S., Longbottom, M.L., McCarthy, M.G. Predicting and preparing for heatwaves. Beames, K.S., Robinson, E.M.C., Godden P.W., Johnson, D.L. (eds.) Proceedings of the 15th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference: Sydney, New South Wales 13-18 July 2013. Urrbrae, South Australia; The Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference Inc.: 133–137; 2014.

1627 Borneman, A.R. Next-generation DNA sequencing and its application by the wine industry. Beames, K.S., Robinson, E.M.C., Godden P.W., Johnson, D.L. (eds.) Proceedings of the 15th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference: Sydney, New South Wales 13-18 July 2013. Urrbrae, South Australia; The Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference Inc.: 147–150; 2014.

1628 Curtin, C.D., Borneman, A.R., Zeppel, R., Cordente, A.G., Kievet, R., Chambers, P.J. Harnessing genomics to ensure a ‘Brett’-free future for Australian wine. Beames, K.S., Robinson, E.M.C., Godden P.W., Johnson, D.L. (eds.) Proceedings of the 15th Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference: Sydney, New South Wales 13-18 July 2013. Urrbrae, South Australia; The Australian Wine Industry Technical Conference Inc.: 158–160; 2014.

1629 Dry, P. Gamay. Wine Viti. J. 29 (3): p.59; 2014

1630 Gawel, R., Godden, P., Williamson, P., Francis, L., Smith, P., Waters, L., Herderich, M., Johnson, D. Influence of phenolics on white wine quality and style. Wine Vitic. J. 29 (3): 34-36; 2014.

1631 Wilkes, E., Warner, L. Accurate mid-infrared analysis in wine production – fact or fable? Wine Vitic. J. 29 (3): 64-67; 2014.

1632 Williamson, P.O., Loose, S.M., Lockshin, L., Francis, L. Thinking outside the bottle: information about Australia can increase the choice of Australian wines by Chinese consumers. Wine Vitic. J. 29 (3): 71-74; 2014.

1633 Longbottom, M. Grape and wine sustainability program to launch on 1 July. Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower Winemaker (605): p.85; 2014.

1634 Dry, P. Ask the AWRI: Can you achieve yield control in the vineyard without using bunch thinning? Aust. N.Z. Grapegrower Winemaker (605): p.40; 2014.

1635 Bindon, K., Holt, H., Williamson, P.O., Varela, C., Herderich, M., Francis, I.L. Relationships between harvest time and wine composition in Vitis vinifera L. cv. Cabernet Sauvignon 2. Wine sensory properties and consumer preference. Food Chem. 154: 90-101; 2014.

Acknowledgement

The AWRI acknowledges funding from Australia’s grapegrowers and winemakers through their investment body, the Australian Grape and Wine Authority, with matching funds from the Australian Government. The AWRI is a member of the Wine Innovation Cluster in Adelaide, South Australia.

Disclaimer

The material contained in this publication is comment of a general nature only and is not and nor is it intended to be advice on any specific technical or professional matter. In that the effectiveness or accuracy of any technical or professional advice depends upon the particular circumstances of each case, neither the AWRI nor any individual author accepts any responsibility whatsoever for any acts or omissions resulting from reliance upon the content of any articles. Before acting on the basis of any material contained in this publication, we recommend that you consult appropriate technical/professional advisers.

Wine industry embracing opportunities in a changing climate

1 July 2014 >

Australian grapegrowers and winemakers will be able to build more sustainable businesses in the face of changing economic and climatic conditions, thanks to a new program to be launched today by the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI).

Agrochemical update June 2014

26 June 2014 >

The AWRI publication Agrochemicals registered for use in Australian viticulture 2014/2015 (‘Dog Book’) is now available. This agrochemical update summarises the major changes in the 2014/2015 ‘Dog Book’ compared with the previous version.

Timing chemical application to growth stage

The following statement is emphasised on page 3 to better meet target withholding periods and satisfy export market maximum residue limits (MRL).

GRAPEVINE GROWTH-STAGE CAN BE VARIABLE ACROSS A BLOCK. WHEN ASSESSING GRAPEVINE PHENOLOGY FOR THE PURPOSE OF APPLYING AGROCHEMICALS, BASE THE ASSESSMENT ON THE MOST ADVANCED VINES IN THE BLOCK TO MINIMISE THE POSSIBILITY OF RESIDUES AT HARVEST.

Footnotes

Footnotes are now printed at the bottom of the page where they appear.

Active constituents and targets

TEBUCONAZOLE + AZOXYSTROBIN

APVMA 66541

Custodia has been granted registration by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) for control of Botrytis and downy mildew in grapevines.

Custodia is a Farmoz Pty Ltd product. It contains the active constituents tebuconazole and azoxystrobin. It should be used as a protectant treatment only.

Restriction on use for export grapes: Use no later than 80% capfall.

Resistance management strategy: Do not apply more than two consecutive sprays of Custodia. Do not apply more than two sprays of Custodia per season. Do not use Custodia curatively.

SULFOXAFLOR

APVMA 64101

Transform has been granted registration by the APVMA for control of longtailed mealybug in grapevines.

Transform is a Dow AgroSciences product. It contains the active constituent sulfoxaflor.

Restriction on use for export grapes: Use no later than 80% capfall.

Resistance management strategy: Do not apply consecutive applications of products from the same mode of action group (Group 4C).

Notes: Transform should not be used more than twice per season.

CYPROCONAZOLE + IODOCARB

APVMA 47914

Garrison Rapid Pruning Wound Dressing has been granted registration by the APVMA for control of eutypa dieback in grapevines.

Garrison Rapid Pruning Wound Dressing is a Chemcolour Industries Australia Pty Ltd product. It contains the active constituents cyproconazole + iodocarb.

Restriction on use for export grapes: Not required when used as directed.

Notes: Dormant spray. Apply on the same day as pruning. Do not apply during the growing season.

Botrytis bunch rot

The active constituent cyprodinil was listed for Botrytis bunch rot. A withholding period of ‘Use no later than E-L 29, berries peppercorn size (4mm diameter). Do not use within 60 days of harvest’ applies. Until now the fungicide cyprodinil was only available in co-formulated form with fludioxonil.

Grape leaf blister mite

The active constituent paraffinic oil was listed for grape leaf blister mite. A restriction on use of ‘Dormant spray only’ applies.

Grapevine scale

Listings of 1B insecticides registered for grapevine scale were removed from the ‘recommendations’ section of the ‘Dog Book’. A footnote stating ‘Some group 1B insecticides are registered for grapevine scale. Contact your winery or grape purchaser prior to any 1B insecticide application’ was added.

Grapevine growth stage description

More detail has been added to the grapevine growth stage descriptions.

Budburst: When the first green tips are visible (E-L 4).
5% capfall: E-L stage 19-20; flowers have just begun to open and the first caps have lifted and fallen off. No developing berries present.
80% capfall: E-L stage 25; 80% caps have just lifted and the largest berries are no more than 2 mm in diameter.
E-L stage 29: Just after berry set, berries peppercorn size (4 mm diameter); bunches tending downwards.
Pre-bunch closure: E-L stage 31; Berries have reached pea-size (7 mm diameter); bunches hanging down.
Veraison: E-L stage 35; when 50% of berries begin to soften and sugar starts increasing.

The grapevine growth stage table from Viticulture 1 – Resources. 2nd edition 2004. Eds Dry, P. and Coombe, B. (Winetitles) is now published in full on page 13 of the ‘Dog Book’.

Insecticide

Following a review by the APVMA, dimethoate is registered for aphids, jassids, mites, thrips, and Queensland fruit fly in viticulture. Follow label directions and contact your winery or grape purchaser prior to any 1B insecticide application.

Label restriction on use: Do not use after flowering commences (E-L 19).

Resistance management

For fungal pests where resistance is an issue, the following statement has been added to the bottom of the page: ‘Fungicide resistance in this pathogen has been reported. Review resistance management strategies on page 22 and follow the directions’.

The powdery mildew resistance management strategy has been updated to include Group U6 (phenyl-acetamide) fungicides.

Correction

A chlorothalonil product Chlornil Pro is listed for black spot and downy mildew. This should read Chloronil Pro and it should also be listed for Botrytis.

The chlorothalonil product Chlornil (listed for black spot, Botrytis and downy mildew) should read Chlornil 720 SC.

This information is provided to inform the Australian grape and wine sector of agrochemical information, and should not be interpreted as an endorsement.

Opportunities in a new climate

18 June 2014 >

The Australian Wine Research Institute is launching a new program Opportunities in a new climate on 1 July. This program will deliver tailored information to assist Australian grapegrowers and winemakers build sustainability in the face of changing economic and climate conditions.

At the launch event in Adelaide, Professor Will Steffen and other experts will present the latest climate information and industry practitioners will share their experiences. The launch will provide an opportunity to discover tools to help manage production in a new climate and opportunities for future profitability in the wine industry.

If you would like to attend the launch event in Adelaide on 1 July, please confirm your attendance by registering here today.

If you are unable to attend the launch, but are interested in learning more about the program and finding out about workshops that will be held in your region, please register your interest here.

Program launch
Tuesday, 1 July 2014, 9.15am-2.30pm (includes lunch with plenty of opportunity for mingling)
National Wine Centre of Australia, Adelaide		 new_climate_logo

This event is free.

Speakers include:

Will Steffen Climate Council
Snow Barlow University of Melbourne
Darren Ray Bureau of Meteorology
Phil Cohn RAMP Carbon
Mardi Longbottom The Australian Wine Research Institute
Jonathan Lord Taylors Wines
Louisa Rose Yalumba
Lilly Lim-Camacho CSIRO
Damien Griffante Winemakers’ Federation of Australia
Dan Johnson The Australian Wine Research Institute

A full program can be accessed here.

A free energy audit is being offered to one lucky person who attends this event.

For more information, please contact the AWRI on 08 8313 6600 or enquiries@awri.com.au.

This project is supported by funding from the Australian Government.