Red Wine Spoilage in Barrels on the Increase Because of Brett Contamination

Z-Wine Co. Has the Solution

ANAHEIM, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Winemakers around the world have long struggled with the problem of wine spoilage by a wild yeast called Brettanomyces, or “Brett” as it is known in the industry.

Half the barrels used for red wine could be contaminated with Brett, according to one wine industry expert. This tenacious microorganism can penetrate the oak barrel and remain there ready to infect the next batch of wine. Brett produces volatile phenols, which impart a distinct odor that winemakers describe as “sweaty” and like a “wet-dog-in-a-phone-booth.”

Brett bi-products can cause headaches, said Dr. Susan Rodriguez at the Department of Viticulture & Enology at California State University, Fresno. Also, sulfites used to treat Brett can cause an allergic reaction in some wine drinkers.

By the time winemakers determine Brett contamination by smelling and tasting the wine, it is usually too late for remedial action.

Now, thanks to a California biotechnology company, Z-Wine Co., winemakers have a new test to detect Brett before it ruins the wine. In these difficult financial times wineries can make a small investment in a test that could save millions of dollars in the future by preventing their wine from being discarded.

The Z-Brett Assay™ is the world’s first immunoassay-based biochip for the early detection of Brett in wine. It is also the fastest on the market today, easy-to-use and the least expensive.

Brett costs winemakers time and money. In 2006, Snowden Vineyards in Napa Valley declassified over 90% of its 2003 and all of its 2004 vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon after discovering Brett in the wine. The financial impact was enormous, requiring the winery to postpone the replanting of its vineyard and the construction of a new winemaking facility, reported Wine Spectator magazine.

Brettanomyces is a significant problem with barrel fermentation and maintenance of red wine, according to Dr. Shrikhande, Vice President, Research & Development, Constellation Wines US - the largest wine company in the world. Shrikhande said that the Z-Brett Assay™ for rapid detection of Brett is truly a revolutionary concept for the wine industry.