Scientist

Tracie McPherson

From the Wingfield-based laboratory of Cork Supply Australia, Darryn Wolter is at the global forefront of research into what causes some wine to “get up the noses” of consumers.

The 33-year-old scientist leads CSA’s national research team in testing compounds that contribute to cork taint.

“Cork taint is the scourge of winelovers and winemakers across South Australia and the world,” Mr Wolter says. “CSA is a leading supplier of cork to the wine industry in Australia, servicing more than 600 wineries across the country.

“We also lead the industry in testing for compounds that are suspected of contributing to cork taint and affecting the quality of wine by giving off musty/earthy aromas.”

CSA began operations in Australia in 1990 to supply premium quality natural cork to the wine industry. It has expanded to include new winemaking, bottling and packaging products and moved into wine markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

An independent quality assurance laboratory in Portugal supports The Global System, Cork Supply’s 4-step integrated quality control program.
This laboratory maintains autonomous power to approve or reject every cork purchase made by the company, based on strict quality standards.

In 1998, Cork Supply was one of the first cork suppliers to achieve the quality standard ISO 9001 and is now certified to ISO 9001/2000.

Mr Wolter’s work is a prime example of the practical application of science in mainstream industry. He came to the wine industry from the petroleum industry, after working his way to the position of product quality adviser and development chemist with his previous employer, the Adelaide Mobil Refinery.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Flinders University, majoring in chemistry.

“I always thought I would end up in the science industry,” he says. “But I had no idea how broad the opportunities would be.

“I’ve worked in the mining, the petroleum and the wine industry.”

While scientists have a reputation for being locked in a laboratory, Mr Wolter spends significant time travelling and in the field.

“The wine industry is so diverse in SA and there are a lot of interesting opportunities for people in my field.

“It is a people-oriented job – so I have both time in my lab as well as out and about.”

With the ultimate goal in mind of total cork-taint eradication, the young scientist is responsible for Cork Supply’s state-of-the-art laboratory operations with a particular focus on its research into improving cork quality.

Based at a purpose-built facility in Adelaide, Cork Supply has grown from having a production capacity of 100,000 corks a day in 1992 to a capacity of one million corks a day.

“We now produce and supply more than 100 million natural wine corks to the industry annually,” Mr Wolter says. “We service all major wine companies and regional wine areas while maintaining a strong presence in international markets such as China, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.”

In 1995, Cork Supply Australia established Newpak Australia, a company dedicated to the supply of alternative wine closures.