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UC Davis V&E Extension Summary April 2019

UC Davis V&E Extension has had quite the busy winter and spring quarters. In January, we exhibited a booth and hosted a reception at the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium. We love when people come to the booth and the reception and tell us what they are doing. So, remember to stop by the Department of Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis booth next year!

Department of Viticulture and Enology's Unified Symposium Recap

Viticulture and Enology

In January, the UC Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology exhibited a booth and hosted a reception at the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium in Sacramento. The department's professors, cooperative extension specialists, and even some students hosted the booth at different times in order to interact with attendees of the symposium. Folks who stopped by our booth were treated to department brochures, the latest newsletter, a list of upcoming educational programs, Dropstops®, and candy!

Why some red wines taste 'dry'

Viticulture and Enology

Wine connoisseurs can easily discriminate a dry red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, from a fruitier red, like Pinot Noir. Scientists have long linked the "dryness" sensation in wine to tannins, but how these molecules create their characteristic mouthfeel over time is not fully understood. Now, researchers reporting in ACS' Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry have found that tannin structure, concentration and interactions with saliva and other wine components influence the perception of dryness.

Carl Winter quoted in US News and World Report article

Food Science and Technology

In an article written for US News and World Report, registered dietician Dr. Joan Sagle Blake implored her readers to keep eating fresh produce, despite the recent release of this year's "Dirty Dozen", which lists the 12 fruits and vegetables available in the U.S. that have the most pesticide residues.

In the article, she quotes FST's Dr. Carl Winter. His research detecting pesticides in foods and evaluating their risk to humans is used to inform the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Pesticide Data Program.

Eduardo Dingler, Wine to Sake: The Oakville Winegrowers

Viticulture and Enology

Undoubtedly one of my favorite events of the year, the Oakville Winegrowers delivered another exciting day full of in-depth vineyard and state-of-the-industry discussions, an epic flight of wines showcasing vintage and location differences and, of course, the walk-around tasting where the vintners from this famed region gathered to share their latest vintage releases.

VEN welcomes new winemaker, Leticia Chacon-Rodriguez

Viticulture and Enology

Leticia Chacon-Rodriguez is the Department’s new winemaker/winery manager, a role previously filled by Chik Brenneman who retired in March. In this position, Leticia will oversee crush operations and wine production, teach enology students about winery operations and wine production, and assist faculty and researchers with winemaking research projects and trials.

Honoring Larry Williams: Focus on Water and Irrigation Management

Viticulture and Enology

On April 18, the Department honored Professor Emeritus Larry Williams for his 36+ years of service to the Department of Viticulture and Enology with a program on campus dedicated to irrigation and water management.

The day started with Department Chair David Block recognizing Larry for his contributions to the understanding of water management and deficit irrigation as well as his commitment to teaching (and his long commute). This was followed by a brief introduction from Larry’s colleague at Kearney, Matt Fidelibus.

Student Spotlight: Grad Student Cory Marx

Viticulture and Enology

Cory Marx is a second year Food Science and Technology graduate student. Originally from the east coast, Cory studied Geological Sciences and Chemistry in Miami, FL as an undergraduate before a short stint working as a hydrocarbon geoscientist in Texas. Competitively homebrewing and home-winemaking at the time, he started to progress through the Wine and Spirit Education Trust program as night classes after work. Hooked on the subject, Cory decided to make the move to California to pursue a graduate degree, combining a love for fermentation science and research at UC Davis.

Mechanical Vineyard Pruning Possible Without Replanting

Viticulture and Enology

One of the major concerns regarding mechanical vineyard pruning is the time and cost associated with replanting a vineyard in a manner that would accommodate the process. However, a report from University of California Cooperative Extension researchers that was published in HortTechnology demonstrates that replanting is not necessary. Research conducted in Madera County found that growers can mechanize their operations by retraining vines without suffering any fruit loss or decline in quality.

Trends in Vineyard Irrigation: A Who's Who in Vineyard Water Management Honors Larry Williams

Viticulture and Enology

Larry Williams has remained busy since he retired last July from UC Davis after 36 years in the Department of Viticulture and Enology. Last Thursday was no different. Williams was honored at an all-day seminar on vineyard irrigation and vine water management at UC Davis. Williams invited the speakers, including former graduate students and colleagues. Williams prepared two presentations of his own, including one with 141 slides on the highlights in vineyard irrigation over the past 36 years.