Zebulon, N.C., (January 5, 2009) – Nomacorc, the world's leading producer of alternative wine closures, today announced that it has initiated an extensive three-year project with the Centro de Aromas of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. The study will focus on collecting technical data on the Carmenère wine varietal to demonstrate how oxygen transfer through closures affects the evolution of wine.
"Nomacorc chose to partner with Universidad Católica because it is a preeminent university in South America with a world class enology facility located in the epicenter of South America's wine producing region," said Dr. Stéphane Vidal, global director enology. "Our joint research with Católica will further strengthen the industry's understanding of oxygen's role in wine development."
Dr. Eduardo Agosín, professor of biotechnology and director of the Centro de Aromas, will lead the Universidad Católica research team in assessing the influence of oxygen on the evolution of wine aromas. Dr Felipe Laurie from the University of Talca will also participate as a co-investigator. The study will cover both fundamental studies on the role of oxygen on the fate of aromatic compounds – and their precursors – during aging as well as more applied studies on the impact of oxygen in Carmenère aromas during winemaking.
"Our analysis of post-bottling oxygen management and the relationship between sensory characteristics and oxygen will improve the winemaker's control of wine development and quality after bottling," said Rodrigo Moraga, enological support manager for South America. The study begins in January 2009 and will be completed in December 2011. The partnership will develop a model to explain and manage the impact of oxygen on the aroma and flavor stability.
The trials will be similar to those in progress with previously announced partners Forschungsanstalt Geisenheim; UC Davis in California; the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA) at Montpellier; and the Australian Wine Research Institute (AWRI). Each institution is evaluating different varietals and variances in bottling conditions.
About Nomacorc
Nomacorc is the worldwide leader in the growing alternative wine closure category. Dedicated to technological innovation, Nomacorc manufactures its portfolio of products using a patented co-extrusion process. As a result, Nomacorc closures provide consistent, predictable oxygen management and protect against off-flavors due to oxidation, reduction or cork taint. Nomacorc products are available through a vast network of distributors and sales agents on six continents. With more than 400 employees worldwide and state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in the United States, Belgium and China, Nomacorc currently produces closures at the rate of nearly 2 billion annually. For more information, visit nomacorc.com.
Contact: Katie Myers
Richards Partners for Nomacorc
214-891-5842
katie_myers@richards.com
