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Wine as scapegoat in trade disputes means consumers pay the price

A new study from the University of Illinois finds that wine tariffs imposed during trade disputes have substantial economic costs for producers and consumers. The study estimates that the U.S.-EU dispute cost $190 million in lost trade, while the China-Australia dispute cost $149 million annually.

Vine removal technique foils devastating grape disease

A new vine removal technique called spatial roguing can significantly reduce the incidence of leafroll disease in commercial vineyards. Removing two vines on either side of a diseased grapevine creates a barrier that eliminates the mealybugs' means of transporting the virus, leading to a rapid decline in disease incidence.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Journal of Enology and Viticulture·DateMay 17, 2022

Can computers write product reviews with a human touch?

Researchers from Dartmouth College used artificial intelligence to draft wine and beer reviews, finding agreement between human and machine-generated reviews. The team also developed a system to write review syntheses, aggregating elements from existing reviews to provide limited but relevant information about products.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateApr 29, 2022

Pandemic-related shifts in alcohol sales explored across 16 US states

An analysis of data from 16 US states reveals a major increase in wine and spirit sales during the COVID-19 pandemic, accompanied by changes in the relationship between alcohol sales and business visits. Sales of spirits and wine increased by as much as 20-40% in some states, while beer sales declined overall.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2021

Cheers! Wine’s red grape pulp offers nutritional bounty

A new study by Cornell University researchers reveals that the pulp from red grapes used in wine production contains beneficial stilbenes that can positively affect human intestines and the stomach's microbiome. The findings suggest a potential link between grape consumption and reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

SourceCornell University·JournalNutrients·DateOct 18, 2021

'Sniffing out' fruity thiols in hoppy beers

Scientists have created an automated process to analyze thiols at very low concentrations in beer, shedding light on the compounds responsible for hoppy flavors. The new method uses tandem mass spectrometry and meets requirements for detecting thiols while processing samples in a safer and quicker manner.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateJan 6, 2021

Shining a light on the issue of wine fraud

A novel method of authenticating wine using fluorescence spectroscopy has been developed by University of Adelaide researchers, offering a potential solution to the estimated billions of dollars' worth of wine fraud globally. The technique provides a unique 'fingerprint' of wine samples and has been proven effective in detecting region...

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalFood Chemistry·DateNov 5, 2020

Uncovering the science of Indigenous fermentation

Researchers from the University of Adelaide and Australian Wine Research Institute discovered complex microbial communities associated with natural fermentation of Eucalyptus gunnii sap. The study sheds light on traditional Australian Aboriginal practices and identifies new strains of yeast and bacteria unique to Australia.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 10, 2020

Does the Mediterranean diet protect against rheumatoid arthritis?

The analysis found that adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with a decreased risk of rheumatoid arthritis in women who smoked or used to smoke. Among these individuals, high adherence to the Mediterranean diet resulted in 383 cases per 1 million people per year compared to 515 cases per 1 million people per year.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis & Rheumatology·DateSep 10, 2020

Supply chain expert reveals methodology behind Bordeaux pricing model

A study published in Production and Operations Management reveals a new methodology behind the Bordeaux pricing model, which uses four factors to estimate prices for fine wines. The model provides a transparent approach to setting realistic prices, reducing opportunistic behavior and adding systemic structure to decision-making.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateJun 23, 2020

Detecting aromas in aged cognac

Scientists used gas chromatography and sensory panel analysis to uncover volatile compounds in aged cognac, finding terpenoids for the first time. The study reveals how specific compounds enhance or suppress flavors, shedding light on aging's impact on aromas.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMar 11, 2020

UBC researchers develop strategy to protect wine grapes from smoke-taint

A team of UBC Okanagan researchers has developed a preventative strategy for protecting grapes from volatile phenols in smoke, which can impact wine flavor. Applying an agricultural spray composed of phospholipids to wine grapes one week before exposure to simulated forest fire smoke significantly reduces smoky flavor compounds.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateFeb 24, 2020

Switching grape varieties can help save world's wine-growing regions: UBC study

A new UBC study finds that swapping out grapes for more drought and heat-tolerant varieties can ease the transition to a warmer world, with up to 51% of current winegrowing regions potentially lost to climate change. Diversification may limit losses to 24%, with specific regions like Burgundy and Bordeaux adapting to new varieties.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2020

Drinking diplomacy

In 18th-century Russia, a Spanish diplomat's initiative to establish an informal men's club called the 'Order of the Anti-Sober' aimed to foster socialization and political discussion among elites. The club's rules promoted camaraderie, excluding prejudices and encouraging close relations among members.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalThe International History Review·DateApr 1, 2019

What's behind smelly wine

Researchers found that polysulfanes decompose during wine storage, releasing hydrogen sulfide and causing the smell of sewage or rotten eggs. The study suggests that antioxidants like sulfur dioxide can help manage the release of stinky sulfur compounds in wine.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 12, 2018