NAPA, APRIL 13, 2015- Vicard Generation 7 is proud to announce research on the impact of tannin potential, combined with their patented computer controlled toasting system will be conducted by Dr. James Kennedy, Professor and Chair of the Department of Viticulture and Enology, and Director for the Viticulture and Enology Research Center at California State University, Fresno.
After conducting a small scale study of the barrels from the 2013 vintage and seeing the impact of the groundbreaking coopering system, Dr. Kennedy, along with Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Dr. Aude Watrelot proposed a full scale scientific study. The Cabernet Sauvignon trial will focus on quantifying the effect on wine of 3 distinct tannin levels each paired with 2 unique toasting profiles. “Vicard Generation 7’s ability to control variability in both barrel composition and toasting affords us with a unique opportunity to understand the role of cooperage in the development of wine. We’re really fortunate to partner with them in this study.” Said Dr. Kennedy.
Several renowned wineries including Beaulieu Vineyard in Rutherford, California and Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, Columbia Crest Winery in Washington will partner with Drs. Kennedy and Watrelot for the trial. Collaborating on the project will be Vicard Generation 7’s research partner in Bordeaux, France Dr. MarieLaure Badet-Murat, who will run a similar trial with several French Chateaux, the results of which will be presented in a peer reviewed publication.
About Dr. James Kennedy:
Dr. Kennedy is a professor and chair of the Department of Viticulture and Enology, and director for the Viticulture and Enology Research Center at California State University, Fresno. He is most widely recognized for his research on improving our understanding of grape and wine phenolic chemistry, with the primary goal being the improvement of red wine astringency quality. Dr. Kennedy has published extensively as an author or co-author in peer-reviewed journals, grape and wine industry publications and proceedings. Prior to his position at Fresno State, Dr. Kennedy held positions at Oregon State University, the Australian Wine Research Institute and as a Fulbright Scholar at the University of Bordeaux.
About Vicard Generation 7:
The philosophy of VICARD Generation 7 is based on the idea that controlling for the high degree of variability in barrels presents a great opportunity. To that end, in 2010 Jean-Charles Vicard founded a research and development company, Esprit de Dryades, with the goal of understanding and controlling all variables in the coopering process. Drawing on 6 generations of oak expertise, paired with strong winery partnerships around the world, VICARD Generation 7 honors the next generation of coopers with a completely new approach regarding wood analysis, selection and toasting and now leads the coopering industry with innovation, reproducibility and eco-responsibility.
For more information about Vicard Generation 7 tannin potential barrels, please visit www.vicardg7.com or contact: Christy Thomas at christy.thomas@vicardg7.com or at 707-228-5982
