Weincampus Graduate Awarded Prestigious Prize for Research on Pinot Noir
A student from the Neustadt Weincampus has been recognized for her groundbreaking research on the impact of summer vegetation on Pinot Noir grapes. Leonie Wagner, a master’s student in viticulture, oenology, and wine marketing, was awarded the prestigious Friedrich Gennheimer Prize for her thesis, “The influence of various summer vegetation on drought stress as well as the grape and must quality of the Pinot Noir grape variety.”
Exploring the Interplay of Vegetation and Grape Quality
Wagner’s research delved into the complex relationship between summer vegetation cover and the quality of Pinot Noir grapes under drought conditions. Conducted in partnership with the Jülg winery in Silence-Rechtenbach, the study explored how varying levels of vegetation influenced grapevine physiology, moisture levels, and ultimately, the quality of the grapes and resulting must.
The research was supervised by Prof. Dr. Jochen Bogs and assistant Sebastian Hörsch, prominent figures in the field of viticulture at the Weincampus. Wagner’s findings shed light on the crucial role vegetation management plays in mitigating the effects of drought and optimizing grape quality, particularly for sensitive grape varieties like Pinot Noir.
Academic Excellence Rooted in a Passion for Science
Wagner’s academic achievements reflect a deep-seated passion for science and a commitment to understanding the nuances of the natural world. Prior to pursuing her master’s degree at the Weincampus, she earned a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Leipzig, where her thesis focused on the remarkable adaptations of herbaceous plants to varying climatic conditions.
This earlier work highlighted Wagner’s keen interest in the interplay between plants and their environment, laying the foundation for her subsequent research on the effects of vegetation on grape quality.
Honoring a Legacy of Support for Viticulture and Marketing
The Friedrich Gennheimer Prize, established in 2023, honors the legacy of Friedrich Wilhelm Gennheimer, a dedicated educator who spent years teaching at schools and technical colleges. Deeply passionate about viticulture and marketing, Gennheimer designated a portion of his estate to support gifted graduates of the Ludwigshafen University of Economics and Society in these respective fields.
The prize is awarded in partnership with the Haniel Foundation, a renowned philanthropic organization committed to fostering innovation and excellence in various sectors, including education and sustainability.
The Weincampus: A Hub for Innovation in Viticulture and Oenology
Wagner’s accomplishment highlights the Weincampus Neustadt, a world-class institution dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in viticulture, oenology, and related fields. The Weincampus is a unique collaborative endeavor, bringing together the expertise of Kaiserslautern University of Applied Sciences, Bingen University of Technology, and Ludwigshafen University of Economics and Society.
The Weincampus fosters a vibrant learning environment where students benefit from the combined strengths of these leading academic institutions, industry partnerships, and the extensive infrastructure provided by DLR Rheinpfalz. This robust ecosystem ensures a seamless transfer of knowledge between academia and the practical world of winemaking.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Aline Wyrwich
Weincampus Neustadt
University Communication
t +49 6321 671 468
m +49 (0)173 5613953
Aline.Wyrwich(at)hwg-lu(dot)de
www.weincampus-neustadt.de
How does vegetation cover surrounding vineyards affect the quality of Pinot Noir grapes during droughts?
## Interview: Pinot Noir & the Power of Plants
**Host:** Welcome back to the show! Today, we’re joined by Leonie Wagner, a recent graduate from the Neustadt Weincampus who’s been making waves in the world of viticulture. Leonie, congratulations on winning the prestigious Friedrich Gennheimer Prize for your research on Pinot Noir!
**Leonie:** Thank you so much. It’s an incredible honor to receive this award.
**Host:** Your thesis focused on a fascinating topic: the impact of summer vegetation on Pinot Noir grapes. Can you tell us more about that?
**Leonie:** Absolutely!
My research looked at how the amount of vegetation surrounding vineyards affects Pinot Noir grapes, particularly during drought conditions. Think of it like this – the plants around the vineyard are competing with the grapevines for water and nutrients.
We found that by carefully managing vegetation cover, vineyards can actually help mitigate the negative effects of drought on grape quality. Different levels of
vegetation influence things like grapevine physiology, moisture levels and ultimately, the taste and quality of the wine.
**Host:** Wow, that’s fascinating! This is crucial information for winemakers, especially given the increasing challenges of climate change and water scarcity.
**Leonie:** Exactly. Pinot Noir is a notoriously delicate grape variety, so understanding how to best manage its environment is essential. My research provides valuable insights for winemakers looking to adapt to changing climatic conditions and ensure the quality of their Pinot Noir.
**Host:** What was it like to work on this project?
**Leonie:** It was incredibly rewarding! The research was conducted in partnership with the Jülg winery in Silence-Rechtenbach, which provided a real-world setting for my work.
I was fortunate to be mentored by Prof. Dr. Jochen Bogs and assistant Sebastian Hörsch, leading experts in viticulture. Their guidance and support were invaluable throughout the process.
**Host:** You clearly have a passion for science and a deep understanding of the natural world.
Where do you see your research leading you next?
**Leonie:** I’m eager to continue exploring the complex interactions between plants and their environment, specifically within the context of viticulture.
My long-term goal is to contribute to the sustainable and responsible production of high-quality wine.
**Host:** Leonie, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today. Your research is truly groundbreaking and we look forward to seeing
what you achieve in the future.
**Leonie:** Thank you for having me!
