Wine Microbiology

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Abstract

This is a specialised subject, covering the physiology and biochemistry of yeast and bacterial growth during wine fermentation and conservation. Students will gain knowledge to identify the different microorganisms involved in wine production and the impacts they have on wine quality. Students will gain the skills required to handle, culture … For more content click the Read More button below.

This is a specialised subject, covering the physiology and biochemistry of yeast and bacterial growth during wine fermentation and conservation. Students will gain knowledge to identify the different microorganisms involved in wine production and the impacts they have on wine quality. Students will gain the skills required to handle, culture and enumerate the microorganisms involved in the production of wine.

Syllabus

Ecological aspects of the alcoholic fermentation: species of yeasts active during wine fermentations; factors affecting their growth and metabolism;Biochemistry of flavour and aroma production by yeasts during the alcoholic fermentation;Bacterial ecology of the malolactic fermentation: interplay of bacterial species during the malolactic fermentation; impact of wine environment on bacteria during … For more content click the Read More button below.

Ecological aspects of the alcoholic fermentation: species of yeasts active during wine fermentations; factors affecting their growth and metabolism;
Biochemistry of flavour and aroma production by yeasts during the alcoholic fermentation;
Bacterial ecology of the malolactic fermentation: interplay of bacterial species during the malolactic fermentation; impact of wine environment on bacteria during this process; modifications to wine flavour and aroma resulting from the malolactic fermentation;
Role of yeasts and bacteria in spoilage reactions: ecology of spoilage activity; flavour and aroma modifications during spoilage by various microorganisms; control of spoilage microorganisms;
Control of microorganisms during winemaking: chemical additions to wines; impact of variations in processing technique.

Assumed knowledge

(BIO118 or MCR101) and (BCM210 or PSC208 or AGS203) and (WSC101 or WSC114 or WSC115)

Enrolment restrictions

Incompatible

Replacement

Learning activities

Intensive

The intensive is to develop skills in practical microbiology of relevance to wine production that support the theoretical aspects of the subject. The three day intensive is comprised of problem based tutorials, mid-year test and laboratory exercises. The problem based tutorials make use of real examples of wine production and winery management issues in which principles of microbiology must be considered along with the underlying chemistry, personnel and winery management approaches for rectifying and prevention of wine spoilage. Laboratory exercises reinforce the biochemical impact of yeast and bacterial metabolism for wine flavour and production, including nutritional requirements, rehydration procedures, biomass quantification and identification of spoilage organisms, their impact and management.

Duration3 days