Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute (CCOVI) has launched its latest outreach program, TanninAlert.

Tannins are key components to manage in red wine production, as sufficient skin tannin extraction is required to stabilize colour and offer structure to the wine, but over extraction of seed tannin can result in bitterness and astringency.  As red wine is fermented on both the skins and seeds, winemakers must balance extracting sufficient skin tannin, without over extracting seed tannin.

While winemakers previously had the ability to easily measure things such as Brix (sugar levels), titratable acidity and pH leading up to harvest, there was no simple measurement for skin and seed tannin in red grape varieties.

The TanninAlert program, now available through CCOVI’s Analytical Services, measures skin and seed tannin separately in red grape varieties. The skin and seed tannin measurements are then compared to CCOVI’s database of measurements and subsequently categorized as low, medium or high to assist with winemaking decisions.

For the 2022 launch of TanninAlert, producers can submit samples of Cabernet franc and Cabernet sauvignon to CCOVI for analysis. Pricing for tannin analysis is $100 per sample, with a three-business day turnaround time for results.

As part of the launch, CCOVI will offer a discounted rate of $70 per sample, with juice analysis for Brix, pH, titratable acidity and volatile acidity included. So, if samples are being brought in for a juice panel test ($21), inclusion of tannin analysis will be at half price. There is a bulk rate for multiple samples. For questions regarding tannin analysis samples, customers should contact ccovilab@brocku.ca.

Source:  Cool Climate Oenology Viticulture Institute October 4, 2022 news release