Wine Grape Genes Mapped

Taken from Yahoo News:
Critics who praise the "complexity" of red Burgundy and Champagne are on target.
A team of French and Italian researchers has mapped the genome of the pinot noir grape, used to make bubbly and many red wines from France's Burgundy region and around the world — and it has about 30,000 genes in its DNA. That's more than the human genome, which contains some 20,000 to 25,000 genes.
The team published its findings in Thursday's issue of the journal Nature, saying it identified the nearly half a billion chemical building blocks of the grape's DNA. Certain sequences of these building blocks form genes, like letters spelling words.
These discoveries won't make any immediate difference to wine drinkers worldwide. The pinot noir is the first grape — and first fruit — ever genetically mapped, and it would take years to apply this new knowledge to today's vines. But down the line, it could possibly lead to hardier grape varieties, more resistant to bugs and disease.
The team said its research had confirmed that the grape has an unusually high number of genes whose job it is to create flavor. More than 100 of its genes are dedicated to producing tannins and terpenes — compared to about 50 for other plants, said researcher Patrick Wincker.
He said the mapping of those flavor-producing genes could be a first step toward developing new flavors in wine by allowing scientists to breed different varieties to create precise new tastes.
But flavor also depends on external factors such as weather, microclimate, soil, size of the crop, age of the vines and the winemaker's art.
With so many flavor compounds potentially at play, these other factors become even more important, said Allen Meadows of burghound.com, a leading Burgundy critic who did not participate in the study.
Meadows said the research helps explain why wines made from pinot noir grapes have a huge variety of aromas and flavors.
"The research is genetic confirmation of what Burgundy and pinot noir lovers have known for centuries, which is that pinot noir is exquisitely sensitive to where and how it is grown," Meadows said. "Pinot-based wines produced in say Burgundy, while similar, are still distinctly different from those produced in California, Oregon or New Zealand."
In any case, Wincker said new flavors derived from genetic manipulation are years away and would likely be so subtle it would take a sophisticated palate to be able to appreciate them.
But he did not rule out the possibility that distinctive — and highly noticeable — new flavors might yet emerge.
"Anything can happen," Wincker said. "Biology doesn't always work out in the way you'd expect."
Identifying the genes grape plants use to defend themselves from mildew and insects would also allow researchers to breed new, more resistant varieties, Wincker said.
France's Agriculture Ministry, which helped fund the multimillion dollar project, hailed the team's findings. Agriculture Minister Michel Barnier said he hoped the findings would help in developing more environmentally friendly grape varieties.
Andre Barlier, assistant director of Viniflhor, a government-funded agency to support French wine, said it was laudable that the team's findings were made public so that researchers around the world can continue to work on them. But he said he doubted the genome map would change the way French vintners make wine.
"In France we are very conservative and we work according to traditional ways," Barlier said. "I don't think it will have an impact in the short term."
The pinot noir is also used to make wine in Oregon, California, New Zealand, France's Loire valley and other areas. But in Burgundy, the wine takes on the name of the vineyard or surrounding village — Chambolle-Musigny, for example. Champagne and other sparkling wines are traditionally made from chardonnay or pinot noir, or a mixture of the two along with smaller amounts of other grapes.
Scientists have already mapped the genome for rice and other crops, but this was the first time a fruit has been mapped, Wincker said. It took the team, based in France's national genetic-sequencing laboratory in the Paris suburb of Evry, nearly two years to complete.

-JENNY BARCHFIELD, Associated Press Writer
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070927/ap_on_re_eu/france_grape_genome&printer=1;_ylt=AuIyGQEBjBZo3ykZDl8wa5lbbBAF

Pinot Anyone?

Last weekend’s Pinot Party at the Malibu Family Wines tasting room in Malibu, Ca was a blast. We met a ton of people, drank a ton of wine, and learned a lot. First thing I feel compelled to mention, I think this might even rank amongst a cardinal rule is, if you enjoy a bottle of wine enough to buy one, buy a few more. Don’t get caught in the trap of thinking you’ll buy one now, and come back and get some more another time. They sell out. Over and over again this happens to me. Justin, my boyfriend and I were up in Santa Ynez area, and he fell in love with a great Port from the Fess Parker Vineyard. Bought a couple of bottles, drank them, and then went back a couple months later, and they were completely sold out, and without another crop to substitute. So low and behold, we went on a mission to find another Port. We found quite a few, but it was like the Goldilocks and the Three Bears story, this one was too sweet, that one wasn’t sweet enough, and so forth. To bring us back to last weekend, a month ago, I bought a bottle of Semler’s 2004 Syrah, under a great recommendation from their Manager, Ryan. Justin and I enjoyed the wine tremendously with a terrific dinner of fresh clam chowder from none other than the famed Malibu Seafood. It was full of robust flavor, the kind that leaves you wanting more. So here's the kicker, I went to buy a few more bottles, and you guessed it! SOLD OUT! Moral of the story? Friends, please buy a plentiful supply of any wine, you enjoy enough to buy a second time.

Lazy Day

Sunday's Pinot Noir Party at the Malibu Family Winery was a great success! We had a wonderful time spending the afternoon in such a scenic spot with family and friends. The group enjoyed a variety of wine, starting our "party" off with a spectacular bottle of 2003 Semler Cabernet Sauvignon. The medium bodied wine was light, smooth and smelled of currant and ripe grape. The sun was shining and the weather was perfect-- definitely setting the mood for a crisp glass of 2005 Saddlerock Chardonnay. And did I mention our picnic? There was an array of wonderful cheeses, crackers, bread, grapes and apple slices. Next came the "Belle of the Ball"...2006 Saddlerock Pinot Noir. A curious crowd gathered around the tasting table for a chance to sip the newest release. Tammy Semler, the designated "pourer", advised each guest to buy a $20 bottle (or a couple of bottles) before leaving the winery. She expects the Pinot Noir to sell out by December. Of course, we took her advice! Overall, this experience was a splendid way to spend a lazy Sunday. No matter where you live, seek out a local vineyard or tasting room and take some time to relax there. Get to know the wine you are drinking-- what you like or don't like about it-- and the story behind the makers. Ask questions because the more you learn about a particular wine you love, the more you will enjoy it!

In preparation of the weekend....

In preparation of this weekend's wine tasting, or whatever your individual adventure may be, we thought we should go over a few things to keep you looking like the sophisticated wine connoisseur, or in other words: things not to do while wine tasting. Here are the first top 5, that should keep you pretty safe :) We'll title this one:

Five Things Not To Do While Wine Tasting...
1) Get caught chewing gum
2) Drink from the Spit Jug
3) Swing it back & slam it on the table
4) Try to buy a round for the "table"
5) Fill your pockets with the free pretzels

So to everyone, Happy Friday, and enjoy the weekend!

Wino Word of the Day - Viticulture

Viticulture: A field of horticulture that incorporates growing, producing and studying grapes. This word should not be confused with viniculture, which describes when the grapes are used for winemaking.

The first form of viticulture is believed to date back to the Neolithic period ("New Stone Age") when evidence of true farming existed. Thucydides (c. 460 BC – c. 395 BC), the Greek philosopher, wrote "The people of the Mediterranean began to emerge from barbarism when they learnt to cultivate the olive and the vine." In the Middle Ages, Catholic Monks were the most common viticulturists and even developed the first cru vineyards-- taking large pieces of land and solely producing wine from them. Today, viticulturists work very closely with winemakers because grape characteristics are ultimately what define the wine.

Wino Word of the Day - Resveratrol

Resveratrol: A class of chemical compound found in the skin of grapes.

Recent lab studies have shown that Resveratrol boosts immune systems in humans, blocks the formation of certain cancers, fights against heart disease, and increases the longevity of life. This component is found to be 3-4 times higher in Pinot Noir than compared to other varieties. *So be sure to enjoy a glass tonight and stay healthy!*

The Slope of Gold's Treasure

Pinot Noir is considered the oldest and finest grape varietal and owes its fame to Burgandy's Cote d'Ore ("Slope of Gold") in France. Here the vines grow at a downward slope facing East, which provides great sun exposure and avoidance to afternoon heat. Pinot Noir produces some of the best wines, but it is also the most difficult to cultivate. There are 46 clones in Dijon, France and anywhere from 200-1000 worldwide! The grapes grow in Algeria, Argenitina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Croatia, Czechoslovakia, England, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Switzerland and the United States. Locally, the following appellations grow Pinot Noir grapes: Santa Maria Valley (Santa Barbara County); Russian River Valley (Sonoma County); Carneros (in both Sonoma and Napa Counties); Anderson Valley (Mendocino County); as well as the Pinnacles (Monterey County) and Santa Lucia Highlands (Monterey County).

A classic Pinot Noir wine is described to be full-bodied and rich, but not heavy. Its aroma is quite intense and incorporates ripe-grape or black cherry, with a spiciness like cinnamon or mint. Tomato, mushroom and barnyard are other common descriptors. Try pairing this wine with grilled salmon or any dish that features mushrooms.

Try these...

-10th Annual Food and Wine American Wine Awards for 2007-

Pinot Noir (Under $20):

2005 Au Bon Climat Santa Barbara County ($20)-- "This label has long been star winemaker Jim Clendenen’s entry-level Pinot Noir, and his 2005 is likely to be the best yet—an elegant, medium-bodied, European-style wine."

http://www.aubonclimat.com/

Pinot Noir (Over $20):

2003 Calera Selleck ($60)-- "Josh Jensen produces some of the most complex and polished Pinots in California from his winery just east of Monterey. His Selleck Vineyard bottling, with notes of plum, cherry and spice, may be the most concentrated and cellarworthy of them all."

http://www.calerawine.com/index.html

Upcoming Event - Pinot Party in Malibu 9/23/07

Malibu Family Wines, one of our favorite wineries to visit, is hosting a Pinot Noir release soiree this coming Sunday, September 23rd from 2:00-5:00pm. This place is a great "escape" from the city! Bring a picnic and come taste some amazing local wine before it's released to the public!

Please visit: http://www.malibufamilywines.com/calendar.aspx

Wino Word of the Day - Appellation

Appellation: a geographical location that defines the area grapes of a certain wine are grown.

The first known appellation (vineyard classification system) was documented in Hungary around 1730. In the U.S. an American Viticultural Area (AVA) is a grape-growing region distinguishable by geographic features. Wineries will petition a specific area and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) is responsible for determining its status as an AVA. There are over 97 AVA's just in the state of California. An AVA can grow many types of grapes. Interestingly, one vineyard may be in more than one AVA. At least 85% of the grapes used to make a wine must be grown in the specified area if an AVA is referenced on its label.

http://www.ttb.gov/appellation/index.shtml

Not-So-Sophisticated Wine Connoisseurs

We are the Wild Wino Women of southern California. We're just two typical gals who enjoy everything WINE!
You are most likely asking yourself, "Why should I read this blog?" If you enjoy the occasional glass of vino, discovering an obscure winery, or casually enlightening yourself with wine facts this blog is for you!
We have dubbed ourselves "self proclaimed wine connoisseurs" (in reality, "novices") who have made a pact to visit as many wineries as we can and write all about our fantastic experiences. We invite you along for the ride- and perhaps each one of us will learn a little something new about the infamous drink of the gods.