FPS Grape Variety Focus Presentations

This was the first in a new series of courses to focus on the viticultural side of select wine grape varieties. It only seemed fitting that Pinot Noir, a classic variety famous for its responsiveness to all aspects of a grape growers’ efforts, should be the premier variety considered. In this one-day series of lectures we examined the origins of this classic variety, the history in its native Burgundy, the importance, development, and selection of clones, and the role of terroir in the performance of the vine. Guest speakers including UC Davis faculty, UC farm advisors, experienced California growers and winemakers as well as guests from Oregon and France.

The Rhône varieties series of lectures was held on May 25, 2006. We examined the origins of the grapes of the Rhône varieties; their role in the regional wines of the area; their history in both France and the new world; the importance, development, and selection of clones; and the role of terroir in the performance of the vines. Up-to-date information was provided about well-known Rhône varieties such as Syrah, Viognier, Mourvèdre, and Grenache Noir as well as more minor varieties including Cinsault, Picardin, Clairette, and Mucardin. In addition to UC Davis faculty, UC farm advisors, experienced California growers and winemakers, speakers included guests from Australia, England, and France.

In this one-day series of lectures held on May 31, 2007, we examined the origins of Zinfandel; discussed the importance, development, and selection of clones; and heard from experienced Zinfandel winegrowers about their use of this unique variety. In addition to UC Davis faculty, UC farm advisors, experienced California growers and winemakers, guest speakers from Croatia, now believed to be the home of Zinfandel, were featured. This program increased awareness of the great potential of this unique variety.

The Variety Focus on Cabernet Sauvignon was held on May 15, 2008 at UC Davis. This was the fourth in a series of courses to focus on the viticultural side of select wine grape varieties. In this one-day series of lectures, we examined Cabernet Sauvignon, renowned for its use in red winemaking worldwide. We covered the origins of Cabernet Sauvignon; discussed the importance, development, and selection of clones; and heard from experienced Cabernet winegrowers about their use of this premier variety. Guest speakers from France, the home of Cabernet Sauvignon and the other Bordeaux varieties, joined UC Davis faculty, UC farm advisors, experienced California growers and winemakers as speakers for this program focusing on the great potential of this variety.

Grapes of Iberia, the fifth symposium in this series, focused on the viticultural side grape varieties from the Iberian Peninsula which is in Southwest Europe, location of modern-day Spain and Portugal, was held on May 14, 2009. Lectures included information on the origins of these varieties; their role in the regional wines of the area; the challenging issue of naming conventions and synonyms of these varieties; their history in both Europe and the new world; the importance, development, and selection of clones; and the role of terroir in the performance of the vines. This program increased awareness of the great potential of some of these unique varieties in new viticultural areas. Lectures were provided by UC Davis faculty, UC farm advisors, experienced California growers and winemakers as well as guests from Oregon, Spain, and Portugal.

Sauvignon blanc was the sixth in a series of courses to focus on the viticultural side of select wine grape varieties and was held on May 6, 2010 at UC Davis. In this one-day series of lectures, we focused on this aromatic variety from the Bordeaux and Loire Valley regions of France which produces some of the world's most distinctive dry white wines and is an ingredient in the great sweet white wines of Sauternes. Lectures included information on the origin of Sauvignon blanc; its history in France and the New World; the importance, development, and selection of clones; and the role of Sauvignon blanc in the wines of France and regional wines from other areas, particularly California. Lecturers included UC Davis faculty, UC farm advisors, experienced California growers and winemakers, and guest speakers from France and New Zealand.

The seventh in a series of courses to focus on the viticultural side of select wine grape cultivars, this one-day seminar on May 19, 2011, featured Chardonnay, the most popular white wine grape in the world. Chardonnay originated from the French regions of Burgundy and Champagne. In the New World, the cultivar has been developed into several distinct wine styles. At the Variety Focus seminar on the UC Davis, the speakers focused on the origin and history of the cultivar in France and the New World; the importance, development and selection of clones; and the development of the cultivar into various wine styles.