Nomacorc Collaborates with UC Davis on Advanced Post-Bottling Chemistry Research

Zebulon, N.C. (December 4, 2007) – Nomacorc, the world’s leading producer of alternative wine closures, today announced that it has initiated a comprehensive, multiyear project with the University of California, Davis Department of Viticulture and Enology. The study will focus on collecting technical data to demonstrate how oxygen transfer through closures influences the evolution of wine after bottling. "There is a very limited body of credible research data on post-bottling chemistry and oxygen’s role in wine development," said Dr. Olav Aagaard, director of global research for Nomacorc. "Since oxygen management is a critical consideration throughout the winemaking process, we are making a significant investment in better understanding it by partnering with leading global institutions such as the University of California, Davis."

Dr. Andrew Waterhouse, a leading contributor to wine research and an expert on oxidation chemistry, will supervise the study. He is a professor of enology and the interim chair, Department of Viticulture and Enology, at the University of California, Davis.

Experiments have been designed to identify optimum oxygen ingress rates for particular varietals and winemaking styles. Using a variety of chemical markers, researchers can track the evolution of key molecules under differing amounts of oxygen.

“By quantifying the effects of post-bottling oxygen management in winemaking and the role of the closure, we hope to provide key insights that influence optimum closure design and selection, ultimately improving the winemaker’s control of wine development and quality after bottling,” said Dr. Stéphane Vidal, enological research manager for Nomacorc.

The initiative, which began in September 2007, will end in August 2009. Experiments will be performed on wines made specifically for this program and on wine-like model solutions, the latter permitting close examination of the effect of oxygen on the chemistry of specific components under accelerated aging conditions. Both white and red wines will be involved in the project, specifically California Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon varietals. All winemaking and aging will be performed in the University of California, Davis’ experimental cellar.

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

View Archive