In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Brady Weller and Billy Galanko sit down with famed wine grape geneticist and researcher, José Vouillamoz. José is a renowned Swiss botanist and geneticist, celebrated for his pioneering contributions to the field of viticulture. With a Ph.D. in plant genetics from the University of Lausanne, José has become one of the foremost experts on the DNA profiling of grapevines. His groundbreaking research has significantly advanced our understanding of grapevine origins, relationships, and diversity.
Collaborating with esteemed colleagues, including Jancis Robinson and Julia Harding, he co-authored the seminal work "Wine Grapes," a comprehensive guide that explores the DNA evidence behind over 1,300 grape varieties. José's meticulous studies have uncovered the parentage of many ancient grape varieties, shedding light on the complex history of viticulture across different regions.
In addition to his academic pursuits, José is a sought-after speaker at international conferences and a respected consultant for vineyards and wine producers around the world. His passion for both the science and heritage of wine makes him a unique and influential figure in the wine industry, bridging the gap between genetic research and practical viticulture.
Chapters:
00:52 Special Guest Introduction: José Vouillamoz, the Foremost Grape Geneticist
02:02 Weekend Wine Tasting Adventures and Discoveries
07:57 Diving Deep into Grape Genetics with José Vouillamoz
08:41 Jose's Journey into Grape Genetics and DNA Profiling
11:09 Unveiling the Origins of Swiss Grape Varieties
13:17 The Impact of DNA Profiling on Wine Genetics and Regional Identities
18:35 Exploring the Foundational Grape Varieties and Their Global Influence
21:35 The Genesis of the Wine Grapes Book with Jancis Robinson and Julia Harding
24:50 Founder Grape Varieties and Their Significance
25:04 Exploring the Roots: The Ancestry of Famous Grape Varieties
26:46 The Science Behind DNA Profiling in Viticulture
35:02 The Impact of Genetic Diversity on Wine Varieties and Climate Adaptation
41:11 The Future of Viticulture: Clonal Identification and Terroir Expression
46:38 The Role of Rootstocks in Combating Climate Change
48:45 Leveraging Genetics for Improved Winemaking and Vineyard Management
The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com.
Cheers!
