According to Viņa Casa Silva, this is the first time the work has been undertaken.
The Genoma Research Project will study 42 different phenotypes of Carmenčre that have just been planted in a special experimental vineyard at Viņa Casa Silvas Los Lingues estate in the foothill of the Andes. Experts from the University of Talca, the University Federico Santa Maria, the INIA and the Max Planck Institute of Germany are working under the direction of Mario Geisse, technical director and winemaker at Viņa Casa Silva, to conduct the research.
Mario Pablo Silva, managing director of family-owned Viņa Casa Silva comments: The Genoma Research Project is a natural extension of our recent Micro Terroir research which identified the optimum elements required of a micro vineyard plot to produce the best quality grapes. Our results raised a number of unanswered questions about Carmenčre that we are now trying to address.
The Genoma Research Project will identify the Carmenčre clone or clones that enhance the best and minimize the most challenging characteristics of the grape variety. We are looking for an optimal balance between vegetal and herbaceous characters; more homogenous fruit flavours, good structure and better perceived acidity. We also want to minimize the problems of millerandage that can lead to significant vintage variations in the wines.
The first stage of the research began with the selection of specific vines to be studied in the new experimental vineyard. Mario Geisse said: First we identified the best plants within our own vineyards and then looked elsewhere in Chile to ensure we were starting with the best raw materials available.
Preliminary results are expected to be available in three to five years.
