Wine Aroma Precision Blending

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Summary:  Researchers in the Wine Science Programme at The University of Auckland have developed a complex aroma prediction model that reduces cost and increases the accuracy of achieving  specific aromas across multiple vats of blended wines. Utilising this technology, winemakers are able to create a desired blend quickly, more economically and with better consistency,  allowing more time to be spent on final tasting and perfection.  The Challenge To maintain consistency across the vintage, the process of blending wine requires periodic sampling of the wine until the final blend is complete. Sampling is generally completed  manually, which takes time, requires significant expertise and can be unpredictable. The consistency of the aroma, and thus taste, of the wine is difficult to maintain. Current technology allows for simple aroma profiling, but cannot assist the blending process with more complex aroma combinations  and prediction. The Solution With this technology, aroma profiles can be uploaded from wine samples taken from multiple vats and compared against various aroma concentrations that the winemaker wishes to reproduce  or develop from. Using the aroma profiles, the model calculates precise quantities and combinations from each vat needed to reproduce the target wine. It also produces aroma descriptors,  which can be used to further refine the final product and aids in final manual tasting and mixing. The technology will eventually allow winemakers to design complex wine flavours by using an  online tool and widely available profiling test methods. This technology is able to predict final aroma profiles of wine before blending, currently using up to 25 aroma compounds,  with the possibility of more, as opposed to 3-5 compounds measured by other methods. Use of the model allows the winemaker to rapidly develop highly consistent base wine  blends from multiple vats. Software-based experimentation then assists in creating a final blend, allowing for further experimentation and creativity. Competitive Advantage • Quickly and consistently predict wine flavours pre-mix • Calculate maximum production of a desired blend • Minimise time consumption of blending process • Software-based prediction assists in blending decisions and new flavour development