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Hue cares? Cornell study says wine color isn't the whole picture

A Cornell University study found that consumers don't consistently judge wine quality based on color, with hybrid grape wines ranking among the most visually appealing. The research, published in the American Journal of Enology and Viticulture, also showed that taste and aroma are more important factors in overall quality perception.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Journal of Enology and Viticulture·TypeObservational study·DateSep 25, 2026

Climate change and wine grapes: Go, stay or change?

A new study by Cornell researchers explores strategies for coping with rising heat in wine grape cultivation. The team found that consumers are willing to pay a premium for wines made from heat-tolerant varieties or produced using climate-adaptive technologies, such as shade cloth.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Journal of Enology and Viticulture·DateJun 5, 2026

‘Fingerprinting’ plant compounds helps explain food, drink tastes

Researchers developed a new analytical chemistry method to identify specific plant compounds responsible for the taste and mouthfeel of foods and drinks. The method, called Condensed Tannin Fragmentation Fingerprinting, was tested on complex samples and found to be highly accurate in characterizing procyanidins present.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2025

Women more likely to choose wine with feminine labels

A recent study by Washington State University researchers found that women are more inclined to purchase wine with labels featuring feminine gender cues. The study's lead author noted that winemakers may want to pay attention to the perceptions of this understudied group, which represents 59% of U.S. wine consumers.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateOct 1, 2024

Flavonoids may reduce mortality risk for people with Parkinson’s Disease

A recent study found that people with Parkinson's Disease who consume more flavonoids have a lower mortality risk than those who don't. The researchers discovered that higher flavonoid intake is associated with improved survival rates in both men and women, particularly when it comes to anthocyanin-rich foods like berries and red wine.

SourcePenn State·JournalNeurology·TypeObservational study·DateJan 26, 2022

Gastric cells—Plant substance from wine influences acid secretion via a bitter receptor

A study by Veronika Somoza's team found that gallic acid stimulates gastric cells to secrete acid via the bitter receptor TAS2R4. The plant substance affects acid secretion regardless of whether it is added to water or red wine. This discovery provides new insights into the functions of bitter receptors in food ingredients.

SourceLeibniz-Institut für Lebensmittel-Systembiologie an der TU München·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2021

Why some red wines taste 'dry'

Researchers have found that the structure, concentration and interactions of tannins in wine influence dryness perception. Trained sensory panelists perceived Cabernet Sauvignon as dryer due to its higher tannin content, while added tannins didn't change dryness perception in Pinot Noir.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMay 8, 2019

Another reason for wine lovers to toast resveratrol

Researchers found resveratrol supplements can help counteract the negative effects of a high fat/high sugar diet on hind leg muscles. The study, published in Frontiers in Physiology, showed that resveratrol supplementation helped maintain muscle function and fatigue resistance.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateMay 13, 2016

Resveratrol falls short in health benefits

A new study found that resveratrol supplementation did not improve metabolic function or prevent health problems in healthy, post-menopausal women. The study suggests that resveratrol may have a synergistic effect when combined with other compounds in red wine.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalCell Metabolism·DateOct 25, 2012

The wonders of wine

A German company developed a method to turn red wine by-products into a powder preserving natural nutrients like protein, B vitamins and polyphenols. The powder has been successfully tested in various products, including yoghurt drinks, ice-cream and skin creams.

SourceEUREKA·DateSep 17, 2009

Red wine components modulate tissue damage induced by bacteria in gum diseases

Scientists from Université Laval found that red wine polyphenols significantly modulate inflammatory components released by macrophages in response to bacterial stimuli. These anti-oxidant properties could be useful in preventing and treating inflammatory periodontal diseases as well as other disorders involving free radicals.

Compound in wine reduces levels of Alzheimer's disease-causing peptides

Researchers found that resveratrol, a compound in red wine, significantly reduces amyloid-beta peptide levels in cells. The compound is believed to stimulate the degradation of these peptides by the proteasome, a multi-protein complex. However, it remains unclear whether eating grapes can effectively prevent Alzheimer's disease.

SourceAmerican Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateNov 3, 2005

Red wine protects the heart

Research suggests that moderate red wine consumption (2-3 ounces per day) may have beneficial cardiovascular effects due to its high content of polyphenols. Polyphenols are also found in berries, green tea, and chocolate and can help prevent cell deterioration, plaque buildup, and blood clotting.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 17, 2005