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MW thesis on Virginian viticulture wins best research paper prize
Joshua Grainer MW was named as the winner of the 2023 Quinta do Noval Award for best research paper from a new MW at the the Institute of Masters of Wine Graduation Ceremony this week.
Grainer, who is the managing director and winemaker for RdV Vineyards in the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, was announced as a new Master of Wine in February. His research paper was titled ‘Evaluating phenology shifts of Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay and Merlot in Virginia by the mid-21st Century’.
The 9,771 word paper is available to download in full from the Masters of Wine website. It provides recommendations for viticulturists in Virgina on how best to manage vineyards with these French varieties over the coming decades, especially in light of the challenges of climate change, including recommendations concerning hedging and shading systems, and the best clones and rootstocks to utilise.
Managing director of Quinta do Noval’s parent company AXA Millésimes Christian Seely, who presented Grainer with his prize at the ceremony at Vintners Hall, said: “This was an excellent thoroughly well researched study, clearly written and a pleasure to read. Although the subject was extremely specific in terms of place and varieties studied, there are many other regions and varieties to which the conclusions of the paper could apply. A precise study with general validity.”
In addition to a framed print of Quinta do Noval, Grainer has won £1,000 and a trip to the Douro estate to collect a case of still wines and Ports.
Reacting to receiving the award, Grainer said: “It’s a dream come true! I’ve never had the chance to visit Porto and the Douro. I feel so honoured to win this award, and to receive it from Christian Seely who has always been one of my wine heroes. It will be fascinating to meet Quinta do Noval’s technical director and learn more about the grape varieties and winemaking on the estate. I can’t wait to take my wife Sarah there – she’s been my rock, supporting me all the way in my MW studies over the past five years. What a result!”