Californian winemaker uses sunscreen to protect grapes
September 11, 2006
Oliver Styles
A biodynamic Californian winemaker is spraying his crop with a sunblock concoction to relieve his over-tanned grapes.
Aaron Pott, who makes wine for Quintessa in the Napa Valley, is spraying his Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot with a dilute organic 'tea' which includes aloe vera, known for its skin-soothing properties, and yucca, a perennial shrub used in alternative medicines.
Pott also adds marine algae to the mix because of its apparent UV-absorbing qualities, effectively making the spray part-sunscreen, part-after-sun lotion.
'The grapes face the same summer sun exposure dangers that concern bikini-clad sun bathers,' Pott told Business Wire. 'We're all aware of the benefits of algae and aloe vera in protecting ourselves from sun damage. We simply took that evidence into the vineyard.'
The 'compost tea', as it is known, is supposed to work in a similar manner to that of homeopathy by transferring the drought-resistant properties of aloe vera onto the vines and grapes.
Aloe Vera is a common component of sunscreens, after-sun skin lotions and soaps but it has not been used on grapes before.
'Farming experts said it sounded like a first to them,' said the Associated Press news agency.
The mixture contains around 5 ounces (141 grams) of aloe vera and 3 ounces (85g) of Yucca per acre – a very dilute mixture which is not supposed to affect the taste of the wine.
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Is this guy going to put these chemicals as additives on the label? Dan Barwick
Groundbreaking! What foresight! Think of the implications. That deserves a sticker. Better than biodynamic! What can we expect next? Vine therapists, ergonomic tressling, pickers who eat only biodynamic foods. If you ask me the energy would be better spent on hurricane resistant vineyard design. Will I be able to find this sun screen in stores, and what scents does it come in? Stetson Robbins, Long Beach, CA
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Is this guy going to put these chemicals as additives on the label? Dan Barwick
