The genetic improvement of grapevine cultivars and wine yeast strains: Novel approaches to the ancient art of winemaking

Abstract

The widening gap between wine production and wine consumption, the shift of consumer preferences away from basic commodity wine to top quality wine, and the gruelling competition brought about by economic globalisation call for a total revolution in  the magical world of wine. In the process of transforming the wine industry from a production-driven industry to a market-orientated enterprise, there is an increasing dependence on, amongst others, biotechnological innovation to launch the wine industry with a quantum leap across the formidable market challenges of the 21st century. Market-orientated designer grape cultivars and wine yeast strains are currently being genetically programmed with surgical precision for the cost-competitive production of high quality grapes and wine with relatively minimal resource inputs and a low environmental impact. With regard to Grapevine Biotechnology, this entails the establishment of stress tolerant and disease resistant varieties of Vitis vinifera with increased productivity, efficiency, sustainability and environmental friendliness, especially regarding improved pest and disease control, water use efficiency and grape quality. With regard to Wine Yeast Biotechnology, the emphasis is on the development of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains with improved fermentation, processing and biopreservation abilities, and capacities for an increase in the wholesomeness and sensory quality of wine. The successful commercialisation of transgenic grape cultivars and wine yeasts depends on a number of scientific, technical, safety, ethical, legal, economic and marketing factors, and it therefore will be unwise to entertain high expectations in the short term. However, in the light of the phenomenal potential advantages of tailor-made grape varieties and yeast strains, it would be equally self-destructive in the long term if this strategically important “life insurance policy” is not taken out by the wine industry. This overview highlights the most important examples of the way in which V. vinifera grape varieties and S. cerevisiae wine yeast strains are currently being designed with surgical precision on the basis of market demand for the cost-effective, sustainable and environmentally friendly production of healthy, top quality grapes and wine.