by Tom Mansell, Science Editor What do humans like to smell? One would think that smell preference would vary from person to person, given cultural and genetic differences. Some smells, though, seem to smell good to pretty much everyone, cross-culturally. In a paper released recently in PLOS Computational Biology, researchers working in Israel reported experiments with an "eNose," a chemical detection device that approximates the ability of the human nose to sense odor molecules. Human subjects were given aroma samples and asked to rate their "pleasantness". The machine was then trained on this data, enabling it to detect the chemical…
Posts Written OnApril 16, 2010
New Bill Threatens to End Direct Wine Shipping: “More and more like a monopoly”
By Evan Dawson, Finger Lakes Editor Congress could soon decide whether consumers can buy wine directly from wineries, and legislation is moving more quickly than many industry observers anticipated. A bipartisan bill (HR 5034) would give more power and control to states, which would strengthen the current three-tier system of distribution. The bill is championed by the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA), but it's opposed vehemently by winery owners across the country — including some here in New York state. In a statement released by WSWA, CEO Craig Wolf said, "America's regulated three-tier system is — hands down…
Vineyard Visuals: Pinot Noir Bud Swell at Eminence Road Farm Winery
Photo courtesy of Eminence Road Farm Winery Here's a shot pinot noir bud swell (being thoroughly investigated by vineyard dog, Lester) from this morning in Eminence Road's tiny Western Catskills vineyard. According to owner Andrew Scott "We are a full 3 weeks ahead of schedule!"
Vineyard Visuals: Wild Vines at Anthony Road Wine Company
Photo courtesy of Anthony Road Wine Company This picture definitely shows full-on bud break — but only in wild vines that associate winemaker Peter Becraft says "grow everywhere" around Anthony Road and are probably vitis riparia.