The European project known as INNOYEAST (Innovation and improvement of European wine industry competitiveness by the research and development of native microencapsulated wine yeasts to produce quality wines) has been officially initiated.
The goal of this R+D+i project is cooperation in the competitive development for the whole European wine-producing sector by means of the isolation, selection and microencapsulation of the autochthonous yeasts from several European wine-producing regions (Rioja Alavesa, Bordeaux, Chianti and Vinho verde), in order to foment diversity in and typicality of the different wines made in these areas.
The project is to last for over two years (2009-2011) and in funded by the European Commission. The project involves, apart from the mentioned Rioja Alavesa vineyard, wine-producers Vinos de los Herederos del Marqués de Riscal, as well as Guserbiot, the biotechnology-based enterprise located in Vitoria-Gasteiz, the capital of Euskadi. Also collaborating are other wine-producers, research centres and universities from the participating wine regions.
The incorporation, moreover, of microencapsulation will provide the autochthonous yeasts great added value. Microencapsulation is an innovative technology that enables the encapsulation of molecules or microorganisms in minute capsules to be employed with numerous advantages in sectors such as foodstuffs or pharmacy.
The microencapsulation of autochthonous yeasts obtained in this research project will facilitate their use by wine producers, enhancing their implementation and ensuring an effective and quality fermentation.
