Comparative genomics: a revolutionary tool for wine yeast strain development.

The application of Next Generation sequencing to comparative genomics is enabling in-depth characterization of genetic variation between wine yeast strains used in fermentation starter cultures. Knowledge from this work will be harnessed in strain development programs. As a result, winemakers will soon have at their disposal novel, improved yeast starter cultures displaying increased reliability and providing a means of tailoring wine sensory characteristics for new and ever-changing markets.