First in a new series of the topical science magazine. Geoff Watts tours the new centre for wine research in Vancouver, Canada, and reports on research into the genetics of wine production.
Leading Edge 9.00pm R4
Next time you are buying wine, try asking the work experience youth behind the counter if he can provide you with the genetic structure of the rather amusing chablis you have selected. And do let me know how you get on. Leading Edge makes a welcome return tonight with a programme about how genetic research is helping Canadian scientists study the genes in yeast, enabling wine makers to "maximise the aromatic complexity of wine" and minimise the levels of spoilage compounds. It is even thought that the techniques could isolate the compounds that cause hangovers and such after-effects altogether. But don't throw away the aspirin yet. (Peter Barnard)