Presented By Shinichi Enoki — February 15, 2024
This talk introduces the Koshu grape, which is important for Japanese wine, and its winemaking. Koshu is an indigenous cultivar in Japan for white wine making. Koshu is a hybrid of Vits vinifera from the Caucasus region near the Caspian Sea and wild variety, Vitis davidii, found in China. Koshu wines have gentle aromas, like apple tart and citrus. In addition, Koshu wines have slight astringency due to phenolic contents in Koshu grape. Koshu wines make the perfect pairing for Japanese cuisine, but also for any Asian or western cuisine, which is inspired by fresh seafood, light meats and vegetables.
Despite its distinct physiological traits, the genetic basis of these traits remained poorly understood until the Koshu whole genome sequencing we performed. This revealed red and white grape genetic characteristics of Koshu contributing to its unique taste.
Koshu has traditionally cultivated in Japan’s humid conditions using the “overhead trellis”. The study of Koshu genome not only unravels its adaptation to the Japanese environment but also holds promise for developing efficient breeding and viticulture techniques of Koshu.
Overall, this genome research sheds light on the genetic complexity of Koshu, providing many ideas for improving Koshu grape qualities. We hope that Koshu wine will be recognised as a unique entity in the world.
Topics to be covered
- What is Koshu Grape?
- Genetic characteristics of red and white grapes
- Environment characteristics for viticulture in Japan
- Labor Saving in Viticulture
SPEAKER PROFILE
Dr Shinichi Enoki
Shinichi Enoki (Engineering PhD) is Assistant Professor in the Laboratory of Fruit Genetic Engineering of the Institute of Enology and Viticulture, University of Yamanashi, Japan.
His research fields range widely, including viticulture, plant physiology, and molecular biology of wine grape. He is also a member of ASEV (American Society for Enology and Viticulture).
He has studied the genetic characteristics of Koshu (Vitis sp.), a Japanese indigenous grape cultivar for white wine making. Koshu genomic information provides many ideas for improving the quality of Koshu grape.
This is the last of three events in the talk series, Red, White And Rosé: A Celebration Of Wine And Winemaking In Japan.
ABOUT THE TALKS IN THIS SERIES
Click on the talk of your choice for more information.
FEBRUARY 1
FEBRUARY 8
Interview with Koshu winemakers and wine tasting
FEBRUARY 15
Genomic characterisation of Japanese indigenous wine grape
EVENT DETAILS
February 1 – 15 (Thursdays), 2024
6:00pm-7:00pm AEDT
Free; Attend onsite, in-person or watch online.
Bookings are only required for wine tasting on February 8.
*You must be over 18 to book. Booking will open on January 29, 2024 at 10:00am AEDT.
Bookings open January 29, 2024Watch online
Video via Facebook Live.
No account or login required.
The live streaming will start from 6pm on the day.
*On-demand recordings will not be available.
VENUE
For onsite attendance, find us at:
The Japan Foundation, Sydney
Level 4, Central Park
28 Broadway, Chippendale NSW 2008
ADMISSION
Free; no bookings required (excluding wine tasting on February 8)
ENQUIRIES
(02) 8239 0055
reception_sy(A)jpf.go.jp
— Article From THE JAPAN FOUNDATION, SYDNEY
