Field walk provides glimpse of wine varieties for the future
Wine grape varieties being evaluated as future prospects to meet changing climatic conditions and consumer trends were inspected by 18 Western Australian producers who attended a field walk on 12 January at the WA College of Agriculture, Harvey.
The field walk provided the wine industry with an opportunity to view 22 alternative varieties being evaluated as part of research led by the Department of Agriculture and Food.
The project, funded by Wine Australia, is being carried out in partnership with the Western Australian Vine Improvement Association and WA College of Agriculture - Harvey.
Department lead researcher Richard Fennessy said approximately 80 per cent of Western Australia’s wine grape production comprised of five ‘noble’ French varietals; Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Shiraz and Semillon.
Reliance on a small collection of varietals to sustain the profitability of the WA wine industry while considering challenges such as climate change and market trends for example, poses a potential limitation.
One tool available to growers to ensure continued optimum production while addressing issues such as increasing temperatures, compressed growing seasons and limited water availability is through varietal selection.
The project aims to change the way growers think when considering the varieties that best suit their region.
Mr Fennessy said pairing varieties with climates (current and forecast) has the potential to provide growers with the ability to improve their profitability and sustainability.
The project is looking at Mediterranean varieties which are suited to the WA climate.
Field walks, which allow producers to view production in the vineyard, and wine tastings will be a critical part of determining which varieties are worthwhile candidates for adoption.
There will also be a workshop held later in the year summarising the results.
The research will include the collection of vine performance data, carrying out small lot wine making and undertaking sensory analysis of the select alternative varieties that are currently being grown at the WA Agriculture College - Harvey.
For more information contact Richard Fennessy, Research Officer, Bunbury, on +61 (0)8 9780 6219.