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J ANU AR Y NEWS NA VIGA TION Hypoallergenic Wines? Not so Fast Enologists say more study needed on glycoproteins in grapes O dense, Denmark—Dr. Giuseppe Palmisano and fellow re- searchers at the University of Southern Denmark contend that glycoproteins in grapes may be to blame for common allergic reactions to wine, but California grape geneticists caution that low-allergen wines are still a long way off. "I notice they simply say they 'look like allergens,' not that they really are allergens," commented Dr. Linda Bisson, who studies genetics and microbiology at the University of California, Davis. Published in the American Chem- ical Society's monthly Journal of Proteome Research, Dr. Giuseppe Palmisano at the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biol- ogy, University of Southern Den- mark, reported that his team had uncovered 28 grape glycoproteins, some indentified for the first time. Dr. Andrew Walker of UC Davis said, "From a breeding perspective, if you identify the glycoproteins or allergenic agents, you could exam- ine winegrapes for varying levels or Turrentine_Nov10.qxp 9/28/10 1:07 PM Page 1 even test clones of varieties for varying levels. Breeding new varieties with lower or perhaps non-existent levels would be possible." How soon could we see low-allergenic winesandvines.com Learn more: Search keyword "hypoallergenic." wines on the market? According to Walker, "I'd say it will be a while. Depends on knowledge and progress identifying the sources and causes of glycoprotein development." From Denmark, Dr. Giuseppe Palmisano further explained the study's findings. Palmisano and his colleagues believe grape variety and the vinification process influ- ence the amount of glycoproteins in a finished wine. Palmisano acknowledged the Dr. Giuseppe Palmisano contends that glycoproteins in grapes may be to blame for common allergic reactions to wine. BarrelsBest-Vadai_Dir11.qxp 12/7/10 4:06 PM Page 1 need for further research and col- laboration with winemakers. "It would be necessary to know the po- tential of these molecules to elicit an allergenic reaction, and after clinical trials, try to understand which im- mune responses are activated." —Kerry Kirkham QSEE US AT UNIFIED, BOOTH #1310 QSEE US AT UNIFIED, BOOTH #1236 Wines & Vines JAnUARY 2011 15