Research Projects

Improving the Quality of Cool Climate Pinot Noir and Sparkling Wines

Wine Tasmania's bid to attract cool-climate vineyard and wine research funding from AusIndustry, under the Industry Cooperative Innovation Program, was successful in late 2007. On the 1st July 2008 we commenced a $1.8 million, three-year research project to improve vineyard management and winemaking techniques for the Tasmanian and cool-climate wine industry – with a particular focus on sparkling and pinot noir. View further information - ICIP Project Summary and here.

Eutypa dieback in Tasmanian vineyards

Eutypa dieback is a trunk disease of grapevines that causes yield reductions, gradual grapevine decline and eventually death. Eutypa dieback is caused by the fungus, Eutypa lata and is found in cool climate wine regions throughout the world. Eutypa dieback is one of Australia’s most important grapevine trunk diseases. Refer Eutypa Final Report I.pdf

Vine Balance, Winter Pruning and Wine Quality in Pinot Noir in Northern Tasmania

Tasmania is regarded as having one of the best climates in the world for producing
premium quality Pinot Noir table and sparkling wines. At present average yields are
around 5 tonnes per hectare with quite a wide range. However there is a considerable
body of opinion that this could be increased significantly to still produce fruit and
wine of acceptable quality but with much improved economic returns.

A demonstration trial was set up to be the focus of an industry field day, aiming to “push the limits” in terms of bud numbers, and consequently yield per hectare, and to determine the effects on fruit and wine characteristics.

Pruning Trial Final Report

Appendix 1 Pruning Trial Raw Data & Means (Excel)

Appendix 2 Pruning Trial Photos