Project number
WW WdT 20-01
Project leader
Prof Wessel du Toit
Institution
South African Grape and Wine Research Institute, Department of Viticulture and Oenology, Stellenbosch University
Project is co-funded by The Department of Science and Innovation
Start date
2020
Project description
The aim of this study is to improve upon existing phenolic measurement methods in grapes. Phenolic compound management is very important in red winemaking since it is directly linked with final wine quality. Currently, most commercial laboratories offer the Glories index protocol (developed in the 1980’s) for the measurement of phenolic compounds. It has been identified through research that the tannin measurement component of the Glories index can be improved upon in order to deliver more accurate values, as well as better correlations between grape and final wine tannins. Discussions with winemakers indicated their need for improved commercially available tannin testing methods. If successful, the new method(s) will be communicated to commercial laboratories.