Articles from:November 2018

  • Brock research vineyards to tackle climate change challenges

    Tuesday, November 06, 2018 | By

    6 November 2018

    R00196

    With the help of two new research vineyards, Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) is looking to aid Canada’s grape growers and wineries.

    CCOVI partnered with two commercial grape growers to plant the St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake vineyards that will be used for a clone and rootstock evaluation program of the main VQA grapevine varieties in Ontario.

    Jim Willwerth, CCOVI Senior Scientist, said the program takes a proactive approach that will help the industry grow and adapt to challenges expected with climate change.

    “We are looking at cold hardiness, fruit composition, wine quality and general vine performance, so that the industry knows the best combinations to use for our core grape varieties,” said Willwerth.

    Planting and management of the research vineyards was funded through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Collaborative Research and Development grant program in partnership with Ontario Grape and Wine Research Inc.

    The certified grapevines were planted in June in collaboration with Huebel Grapes Estates and the support of grape growers Bill Schenck and Erwin Wiens, who are each allowing the use of two acres of their land. More vines will be planted in 2019.

    “This is an example of an industry and university research program that is ultimately looking to help the sustainability of the Ontario and Canadian grape and wine industry,” said Willwerth. “I think this is proof of how CCOVI’s industry partnerships really shine and how we work together to achieve a common goal.”

    One vineyard was planted on a heavier clay soil and the other on a sandy soil to represent different vineyard conditions found in Ontario. There are different varieties of vines in each with multiple clone and rootstock combinations.

    “The research we do at CCOVI is driven by the industry, and the industry, at this time, is interested in evaluating clean plant material and looking at what combinations do the best under our conditions,” Willwerth said.

    Schenck, one of the commercial vineyard owners, has been working with CCOVI on research projects for the past 15 years.

    “It gives me first-hand knowledge on what will work on my property,” said Schenck. “I am pretty excited for opportunities to see what I can do better. We have seen over the years with different rootstocks that vines grow differently. So if I look to replant or plant new vineyards, it’s always better to have the knowledge available.”

    Schenck said he is happy to help support the industry by donating his land and time for the clone and rootstock evaluation program.

    “I think the growers in this area are very lucky that CCOVI has taken up the challenge of trying to do what is best for the industry,” he said.

    Categories: Media releases

  • Graduate research opportunity

    Friday, November 02, 2018 | By

    MSc/PhD: Yeast, acids and “sweet/honey” off- flavours, in Pinot noir sparkling and still red wines.

    Project Description

    Location: Brock University, St Catharines, Ontario, Canada.
    Supervisors: Dr Belinda Kemp, Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI), Brock University.

    I am looking for an enthusiastic student for a funded position at the MSc level with the ability to transfer into the PhD program. A PhD student who has achieved an MSc and wishes to progress to a PhD student is also welcome.

    The studentship will investigate off-flavours associated with compounds originating from grape infection, and their influence on the resultant wine during aging. The research will include analysis in aroma compounds by HS-SPME-GC-MS, capillary electrophoresis (CE), standard wine chemical analysis, advanced wine sensory analysis and winemaking. The candidate will gain skills in these areas, as well as teaching experience, statistical analysis, a range of analytical software, data interpretation and wine production within Brock’s renowned Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute.

    Eligibility and desirable experience:
    ● Applicants should hold a BSc degree in Viticulture and Oenology, Food Science, or analytical chemistry. Applicants who have a BSc in these disciplines at the First Class level can enrol for an MSc, and upon successful completion of their first year can apply to convert to the PhD stream. A strong academic background in biological sciences is also desirable.
    ● Experience with advanced laboratory beverage analysis is vital along with an interest in sparkling wine, red wine and flavour chemistry.
    Funding Details: This position is fully funded by CAP AAFC GF3, which covers a student stipend. Funds for conference travel are also available. Applications will be assessed as they arrive.

    How to apply: Please contact Dr Belinda Kemp for further information and send your CV, cover letter, personal statement and contact details for two references to [email protected].