Antonio Damiani, between Bordeaux and Geisenheim

Could you briefly introduce yourself and your research?

I have always loved nature, and at first I wanted to be a veterinarian. Then, during high school, I spent some time working on a dairy farm and changed my mind. I went on to study for a Bachelor degree in agricultural science and technology in Italy, but something was still missing. I found it during my Erasmus exchange in Geisenheim: wine. Flavours, aromas, textures… Wine is one of the most complex drinks in the world, and producing it involves a great deal of science, from the vineyard to winemaking and ageing. It was love at first sight.

I went on to complete a Master degree in oenology at the University of Udine, specialising in mountain winemaking. This eventually led me to a joint PhD between Bordeaux and Geisenheim. Every few months, I pack up and move! My research explores a seemingly simple question: can you remove the alcohol from wine while keeping its soul? More specifically, I study how dealcoholisation processes affect a wine’s physicochemical properties and how to compensate for the loss of ethanol from a sensory perspective.

Why did you choose a joint PhD, and why Geisenheim?

Geisenheim is where I fell in love with wine, so there was already an emotional connection! I love travelling, so splitting my PhD between two countries felt more like a perk than a sacrifice, especially when it meant working with two institutions of the calibre of the ISVV and Geisenheim University.

Geisenheim combines hands-on experience with academic knowledge like few other places. It has its own winery and almost every type of dealcoholisation equipment. It has also been a pioneer in this field: the first dealcoholisation device was patented in a neighbouring village around a century ago.

How do the two universities compare?

Geisenheim is a village of 5,000 people, 1,600 of whom are students or university staff. Everybody knows everybody, and you can have meaningful conversations over a glass of Riesling. The university is small and highly specialised, and communication is very direct, even with professors.

At the ISVV, on the other hand, there is an impressive range of analytical equipment, allowing you to explore your research topic in great depth. The neighbouring INRAE facilities also offer many opportunities for collaboration.

What do you enjoy most about Bordeaux?

The ISVV brings together scientists with remarkable expertise, and I love seeing so many young researchers from all over Europe working side by side. I am working in Pierre-Louis Teissedre’s laboratory, which specialises in polyphenol research, and I am learning a lot. Pierre-Louis also organised the Bordeaux Summer School on "Sustainability, biodiversity, resource preservation and innovation for vines and wines within the framework of climate change", which I attended in September. It was another great opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and exchange ideas about the future of the wine industry.

As for the city, Bordeaux is lively and full of history. I love wandering around the Marché des Capucins on a Saturday morning, then sitting down at the counter with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc and a few oysters. If you’re going to do it, do it in style!

What did you take away from the Bordeaux Summer School?

The wine industry is going through a difficult time. Climate change is reshaping the sector, and wine consumption is falling, partly because people are becoming more health-conscious. The good news, from my perspective, is that this gives me a PhD topic!

I believe the answer lies in greater knowledge and more collaboration. That is exactly why a summer school focusing on climate change and sustainability matters: it provides a space to discuss these challenges and spark new partnerships. We can only rise to these global challenges by working together.

What are your plans, and what advice would you give to students?

I love studying, so a postdoc might be the natural next step. I’m also open to teaching or consultancy. As we say in Italy, chi vivrà, vedrà: time will tell.

My advice is this: if you love your subject, go for a PhD, but go in with your eyes open. Talk to professors and former PhD students, ask how they handle stress, and ask yourself the same question. Make sure you and your supervisor are a good fit.

The same applies to an international mobility: ask these questions beforehand, because they can make the difference between a wonderful adventure and a nightmare. And if you choose a joint programme, be ready to visit a few different offices along the way!