143: Can Barrier Sprays Protect Against Smoke Taint in Wine?

<p>“When smoke impact in the vineyard is great enough to impact the fruit and causes inferior wine, then we start calling it smoke taint.” explains Anita Oberholster, Professor Cooperative Extension Enology in the Department of Viticulture and Enology at the University of California, Davis.</p> <p>During a wildfire event, the lignin in vegetation is broken down, releasing volatile phenols. While there are naturally occurring phenols in grapes, this release causes an excess which can impact the final product. Some tainted wines smell like camp fire, smoky, BBQ, and even bacon. New research shows there is an aftertaste, an aroma you perceive in the back of your throat, that creates that ash tray character.</p> <p>Fruity aromas natural to some varieties can mask smoky aromas quite well. While green aromas like green pepper bring out the undesirable smoky traits. Some varieties may stand up to smoke taint better than others but there has not been a definitive research project on this yet due to the complexity of the testing process.</p> <p>Barrier spray research is still in its infancy. Early testing shows that barrier sprays need to be used preventatively. One trial showed a slight impact that could make a positive difference in a light smoke taint situation. The additional challenge with sprays is that they need to be washed off which uses a lot of water.</p> <p>Listen in for Anita’s number one tip for growers.</p> <h2>References:</h2> <ul> <li><a href= "https://wineserver.ucdavis.edu/people/anita-oberholster#/">Anita Oberholster, UC Davis Viticulture and Enology Webpage</a></li> <li><a href= "https://www.awri.com.au/wp-content/uploads/smoke_effect_in_grapes_and_wine.pdf"> Key Information on Smoke Effect in Grapes and Wine:<br /> What can be done to identify and reduce smoke effect in grape and wine production? (Western Australia Agriculture Authority)</a></li> <li><a href= "https://industry.oregonwine.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020-Grape-Smoke-Exposure-Best-Practices.pdf"> Grower-Winery Contracts and Communic