Viticulture & Oenology research in Margaret River
I recently attended a research forum on current viticulture & oenology research - some really interesting work is being done “out there”!
Bushfires can be common in summer and smoke is bad news for grapes and wine. Work has commenced into looking at how much smoke affects the fruit as well as what is in the smoke that causes problems. Kristen Kennison of the WA Dept of Agriculture & Food is doing the work.
In the drier parts of south west WA the harvesting of rainfall is vital in ensuring dams are filled. Various ways of improving the runoff from roaded catchments is being investigated - looking at compaction as well as a range of surface coatings. All looks promising!
Work is still continuing to find better methods of contolling the garden weevil. This pest is a major problem during spring and methods other than spraying are being investigated. WA Dept of Agriculture & Food is leading the way.
Curtin University has started some fascinating work on the green characters (pyrazines) in Cabernet Sauvignon. They are comparing vineyards in the north & south as well as shaded & non shaded fruit with repspect to green flavours.
The Chardonnay project is the largest research project carried out in the region and is being carried out under the guidence of the University of Western Australia. It is looking at what factors go to make the Margaret River region so great for growing Chardonnay. There is a wealth of information being collected on the climate of the region and the variation between the northern and southern regions. Soil differences as well as cultural practices are being compared. Trial wines are being made and final tastings will hopefully reveal all.
Vineman
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