Lookout Winos: Genetically Enhanced Wine Around The Corner
To all my wino friends out there, however few you may be, brace yourself for some either great or horrible news, however you want to take it.
Scientists have now broken the complete genetic code for the plant which produces wine grapes. This, in effect, sets the stage for genetically-mutated wine to enhance flavor and improve resistance against disease.
Dozens of researchers in France analyzing the Pinot Noir variety of Vitis vinifera, the core species from which virtually all grape wine is made, found twice as many genes contributing to aroma than in other sequenced plants, suggesting that wine flavours could be traced to the genome level.
The researchers discovered that V. vinifera had families of genes that correlated directly with the aromatic features of wine. Additionally, they identified genetic source of resveratrol, the red wine anti-oxidant that has been linked with health benefits from anti-aging to anti-viral treatments.
Finally, researchers argue that evolving the grapes genetically is necessary to improve the quality of the grapes as well as their ability to resist pathogens.
The question I would like to pose to my faithful wine enthusiasts is simply: is genetically enhanced wine a good thing or a bad thing?
3 Comments, Comment or Ping
Erika Strum
It’s interesting that they’ve completed the genetic code but cloning grape vines to produce new species is a practice that has been going on for ages. Different species do have different aromatic properties attached to them and they use these properties to craft new varietals. Disease resistance is attached to the rootstock, not the vine so farmers choose various rootstocks based on the soil in order to resist diseases.
Too much information?
Aug 27th, 2007
Benton
They do it with every other plant, from grains and food to tobacco. I say, whatever tastes good and does the job. If they can make better / less expensive wines I’m all for it.
One might argue this would help the large winerys more, but I would argue that in this day and age the little guy is more empowered as advanced technologies become more widespread.
How long will it be until we see wine from a genetically modified grape anyways? Several years at the least, I’d assume.
Aug 29th, 2007
Jon Holato
@ Erika - By all means, continue…
@ Benton - I think most interesting is the identification of the resveratrol genetic source, as scientists will now be able to study this substance in greater detail and learn more about just how much good it can do for humans. Imagine *hypothetically* in 5 years a resveratrol injection mixed in with your baby shots that virtually eliminates your risk of heart disease. Anything is possible.
Aug 29th, 2007
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