Colour stabilization of red wines by microoxygenation treatment before malolactic fermentation

Microoxygenation allows the addition of small, continuous and controlled amounts of oxygen, in order to improve wine quality. Then, the effect of this treatment on colour stabilization and phenolic composition was studied. Four single varietal red wines were elaborated during three consecutive vintages. One part of them was microoxygenated before malolactic fermentation, the other part being maintained in stainless steel tanks without microoxygenation.     

Antioxidant profile of red-single variety wines microoxygenated before malolactic fermentation

The controlled addition of oxygen before malolactic fermentation involves stability of wine colour and an improvement in their organoleptic quality. This study has examined its effect on the “in vitro” antioxidant profile of a variety of Spanish red-single variety wines of different ages. Total antioxidant capacity scavenger activity and the biomarkers of oxidative stress were all analysed. Neither antioxidant capacity, nor scavenger activity were influenced by the microoxygenation. However, the biomarkers of oxidative stress showed some effect of this technique. The controlled addition of small amounts of oxygen produced an increase in the prevention of DNA-damage and seems to decrease the capacity to inhibit lipid peroxidation. The effect on the capacity to protect DNA-damages was statistically significant in the groups of young and one year old wines, where microoxygenated wines showed higher values than their respective control ones. Furthermore, the effect on the prevention of lipid peroxidation was only qualitative, any statistical significant difference was found. A varietal effect was observed in analyzing the results, being Tinta del País wines the most influenced by this technique.     

Influence of fermentation temperature on volatile thiols concentrations in Sauvignon blanc wines

The effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains on the amount of 4-mercapto-4-methylpentan-2-one, a major varietal aroma of Sauvignon blanc wines, was demonstrated by previous research work. However, the influence of different alcoholic fermentation parameters on the levels of volatile thiols (4-mercapto-4-methylpentan-2-one, 3-mercaptohexan-1-ol and 3-mercaptohexyl acetate) in wines has not yet been investigated. The impact of fermentation temperature on the final amount of volatiles thiols and on some other analytical parameters (ethanol, total acidity, residual sugars, volatile acidity) was determined in a model medium and in grape juice. Interaction between fermentation temperature and yeast strain was also tested. The fermentation temperature influenced the amount of volatile thiols irrespective of the yeast strain used. The final levels of 4MMP and 3MH in model medium and in wines were higher when the alcoholic fermentation is conducted at 20 degrees C than at 13 degrees C. The 3MHA, which was correlated with the amount of 3MH determined in wines, was also higher when the alcoholic fermentation was conducted at 20 degrees C. From a technological point of view, the choice of yeast strain and fermentation temperature has a decisive influence on the concentrations of the varietal aromas of Sauvignon blanc wines.     

Effect of micro-oxygenation on the evolution of aromatic compounds in wines: Malolactic fermentation and ageing in wood

The effect of micro-oxygenation on the aromas of two varietal wines (Tempranillo and Cabernet Sauvignon) when alcoholic fermentation is complete was examined. Several factors, such as whether malolactic fermentation (MLF) took place in barrels or stainless steel vats and ageing time in oak barrels, were taken into account. Major aroma components were studied using GC-FID and minor compounds were studied by GC-MS analysis before and after MLF and after 4 and 8 months of maturation in oak barrels. Sensorial analysis was performed to describe and quantify the different wine notes. Micro-oxygenation affects different compounds but the effect depends to a great extent on the grape varietal used; the effect of micro-oxygenation was more marked on the aroma of Cabernet Sauvignon wine than Tempranillo wines. The concentration of extractable compounds of wood was higher in wines after MLF in barrels than in wines after MLF in steel vats; wines with steel vat MLF had fewer toast and wood notes. The compounds that showed significant differences in concentration after 8 months of maturation were present in higher concentrations in wines fermented in barrels than in stainless steel vats. Barrel-fermented wines were sweeter, with wood and toast notes, fewer alcohol notes and fewer reductive notes.     

The influence of skin contact during alcoholic fermentation on the aroma composition of Ribolla Gialla and Malvasia Istriana Vitis vinifera (L.) grape wines

Grapes from the Vitis vinifera (L.) varieties Ribolla Gialla and Malvasia Istriana were subjected to two skin contact procedures: pomace maceration and whole berry maceration during alcoholic fermentation. Wine free volatile compounds were determined using two extraction techniques coupled to GC; odour activity values were calculated and compared to control wines without skin contact. The highest concentrations of esters and relative fruity impacts were determined in the control wines for both varieties. Pomace maceration was found to be an effective procedure for the extraction of varietal aroma compounds like terpenes, but only in the Malvasia Istriana was their higher impact on floral odour determined. Pomace maceration resulted in higher total phenol and methanol content. Whole berry maceration was less efficient in terpene extraction, and its impact on general wine composition was not so radical. Control wines were chosen as preferred wines for odour and overall impression.     

A review of microoxygenation application in wine

Oxygen has a fundamental role in the vinification process and occurs in the various stages, particularly during the fermentation and aging of wines. Phenolic compounds, such as oxygen, are relatively important in wine quality. Among polyphenols, anthocyanins and tannins are the most important compounds since they contribute to the organoleptic characteristics of wines, particularly colour and astringency. During wine‐making and aging, phenolics extracted from grapes gradually change owing to biochemical reactions, which result in a decrease in astringency as well as colour stabilization. Therefore, addition of a measured amount of oxygen, referred to as a microoxygenation process, was proposed to improve wine quality by accelerating these transformations of phenols. In a microoxygenation process, it is assumed that modification of phenolic compound reactions by oxidation should result in more coloured and less astringent products. In this article, the role of oxygen, phenolics and microoxygenation application in wine technology has been reviewed. Copyright © 2013 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling     

Quality of base and sparkling wines as influenced by the type of fining agent added pre-fermentation

A comparison of the effect on base wines of pre-fermentative clarification between a fining mixture (potassium caseinate, bentonite and cellulose microcrystalline) and bentonite was carried out. Fining agents were added to two grape juices from different cultivars: Macabeo and Parellada. These varietal wines are used for making sparkling wine within the appellation (certified brand of origin) Cava. Vinification was done in parallel on an industrial scale (100 000 l). The use of the fining mixture in grape juice made the fermentations more complete and gave wines with less browning ability, more foam stability time and a lower content of nitrogenous fraction, polyphenols and some volatile compounds than the wines treated with single bentonite. Sensorial analysis showed that the wines produced with the use of different fining agents had different organoleptic characteristics. In addition, the effect of fining agent added pre-fermentatively was observed on some components of sparkling wines.     

Volatile composition of Mencı́a wines

Monovarietal Mencı́a wines from two different Appellation of Origin Controlled (AOC) of Galicia (NW Spain) were analyzed. The content of some varietal and fermentative volatile compounds was determined by gas-chromatography and GC–mass spectrometry. These red wines, independently of their origin, showed terpene profiles, that were typical of their varietal characteristics with an important contribution of linalool, citronellol, α-pinene and β-pinene. Other important varietal compounds were: norisoprenoids (α- and β-ionone, and theaspirane), phenyl-ethanol and benzyl alcohol. The 67 analytical variables were submitted to analysis of variance, and the results showed that only nine volatile compounds were significantly different (p<0.05) among the two AOC (trans-3-hexenol, 1-butanol, isobutanol, ethyl acetate, hexyl acetate, butyric acid, γ-butyrolactone, methionol, and N-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-acetamide). Principal component analysis showed the differentiation of wines according to geographical areas.     

Volatile Composition of Macedonian and Hungarian Wines Assessed by GC/MS

The volatile composition of eight varietal wines Vranec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Temjanika and Chardonnay from the Republic of Macedonia, and Portugieser, Kékfrankos and Tokaji Aszú from Hungary has been characterized by means of gas chromatography/mass spectrometry technique. The wine volatile compounds were extracted in dichloromethane, and the extracts were concentrated under nitrogen. Forty-four volatile compounds have been identified mainly using the NIST mass spectral library and by comparison with the available standards used for quantification as well. Differences between the wines were noted for a number of compounds, such as a higher concentration of 1-pentanol and 2-phenyl ethanol in the red wines. Monoterpenes, linalool and terpineol were detected only in the white wines, Chardonnay and Tokaji. Macedonian red wines were characterized by a higher level of alcohols, while the Hungarian wines contained a higher amount of esters, fatty acids and lactones. A statistical treatment including one-way ANOVA, followed by a Tukey’s test has been performed in order to ascertain possible significant differences between the wines studied, and principal component analysis to study the possible grouping of the wines.     

The influence of yeast on the aroma of Sauvignon Blanc wine

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of different Saccharomyces cerevisiae wine yeast strains on the concentration of aroma-enhancing volatile thiols and fermentation metabolites in Sauvignon Blanc wine. Seven commercial wine yeast strains were selected based on their putative ability to modulate the concentrations of the fruity volatile thiols, 4-mercapto-4-methylpentan-2-one (4MMP), 3-mercapto-hexanol (3MH) and 3-mercapto-hexylacetate (3MHA). Each of these yeasts was used to produce Sauvignon Blanc wines under controlled conditions, in triplicate, in 20-L quantities. The levels of 4MMP, 3MH and 3MHA in these wines were quantified using the p-hydroxymercuribenzoate method. In addition, a total of 24 volatile yeast-derived fermentation aroma compounds were also quantified using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME–GC–MS). Formal sensory analysis was conducted by 12 trained assessors and, additionally, a panel of 24 experienced wine industry professionals assessed the wines and ranked them in order of preference. The results indicated that the yeast strains varied significantly in terms of their capabilities to (i) produce volatile thiols and fermentation metabolites; and (ii) to modulate the varietal characters of Sauvignon Blanc wine. Yeast strains that produced the highest levels of volatile thiols were responsible for wines with the highest perceived intensity of fruitiness, and these wines were preferred by the tasting panels. While the ‘green’ characters in Sauvignon Blanc wines can be manipulated through vineyard management, the ‘tropical fruity’ characters appear to be largely dependent on the wine yeast strain used during fermentation. Therefore, the choice of yeast strain offers great potential to modulate wine aroma profiles to definable styles and predetermined consumer market specifications.     

Yeast and bacterial modulation of wine aroma and flavour

Wine is a highly complex mixture of compounds which largely define its appearance, aroma, flavour and mouth‐feel properties. The compounds responsible for those attributes have been derived in turn from three major sources, viz. grapes, microbes and, when used, wood (most commonly, oak). The grape‐derived compounds provide varietal distinction in addition to giving wine its basic structure. Thus, the floral monoterpenes largely define Muscat‐related wines and the fruity volatile thiols define Sauvignon‐related wines; the grape acids and tannins, together with alcohol, contribute the palate and mouth‐feel properties. Yeast fermentation of sugars not only produces ethanol and carbon dioxide but a range of minor but sensorially important volatile metabolites which gives wine its vinous character. These volatile metabolites, which comprise esters, higher alcohols, carbonyls, volatile fatty acids and sulfur compounds, are derived from sugar and amino acid metabolism. The malolactic fermentation, when needed, not only provides deacidification, but can enhance the flavour profile. The aroma and flavour profile of wine is the result of an almost infinite number of variations in production, whether in the vineyard or the winery. In addition to the obvious, such as the grapes selected, the winemaker employs a variety of techniques and tools to produce wines with specific flavour profiles. One of these tools is the choice of microorganism to conduct fermentation. During alcoholic fermentation, the wine yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae brings forth the major changes between grape must and wine: modifying aroma, flavour, mouth‐feel, colour and chemical complexity. The wine bacterium Oenococcus oeni adds its contribution to wines that undergo malolactic fermentation. Thus flavour‐active yeasts and bacterial strains can produce desirable sensory results by helping to extract compounds from the solids in grape must, by modifying grape‐derived molecules and by producing flavour‐active metabolites. This article reviews some of the most important flavour compounds found in wine, and their microbiological origin.     

Yeast derivatives (extracts and autolysates) in winemaking: Release of volatile compounds and effects on wine aroma volatility

A qualitative study of volatile compounds in three commercial yeast extracts and autolysates was performed by solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography with mass spectrometric and olfactometric detection; their addition to white wines and their effect on wine aroma composition were investigated by analytical, olfactometric and sensory evaluations. More than 160 volatile compounds were detected in the headspace of the commercial powders (some not previously reported in literature), and their olfactory characters were described. Yeast derivatives strongly modified wine aroma composition, either affecting the volatility of wine aroma compounds or by releasing exogenous volatiles. Dosage appeared to be fundamental: low amounts increased the volatility of some esters, giving more flowery and fruity notes to the wine; higher amounts increased fatty acid content in the wine headspace, producing yeasty, herbaceous and cheese-like smells. Sensory tests demonstrated that yeast derivatives would not be suitable for wines with a typical varietal aroma.     

Volatiles of orange juice and orange wines using spontaneous and inoculated fermentations

The effect of spontaneous fermentation and inoculated fermentation on the volatile compounds of orange wine was studied. The differences on volatile compounds of orange juice and orange wine were also observed. The volatile compounds were analyzed by sensory and instrumental analysis. Solid phase microextraction was used for extraction of volatile compounds. Sensory analysis indicated that no significant differences existed on the wine odor between the two methods. A total of 17 and 19 volatile compounds were identified and quantified in spontaneous and inoculated fermentations, respectively. Esters followed by alcohols and terpenes were the most abundant volatile compounds in the two orange wines. Thirteen of these compounds were present both in the two methods. Totally 31 volatile compounds were found in orange juice, and terpenes were quantitatively the dominant group. Esters were found to be the important volatile compounds formed during fermentation, such as isoamyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl benzoate, diethyl succinate, ethyl decanoate and ethyl laurate, etc.     

Amino acids and biogenic amines in red varietal wines: the role of grape variety, malolactic fermentation and vintage

This work studies for the first time the amino acid and biogenic amine composition of Rioja red wines made with the red minority varieties Vitis vinífera cv. Monastel and Maturana Tinta de Navarrete, using Tempranillo as a reference variety. The role of malolactic fermentation and vintage on these compounds was also analysed, and discriminate analyses were applied to achieve a possible differentiation of the wines. Amino acid composition allowed a differentiation of wines according to grape variety. Monastel was characterised by the highest value in β-alanine and Maturana Tinta de Navarrete by its highest value in OH-proline. However, biogenic amines were no able to classify varietal wines. The malolactic fermentation had significant changes on the amino acid and biogenic amine content, and allowed distinguishing wines that underwent this process from wines without malolactic fermentation. No correlation was found between total amino acids and total biogenic amines after malolactic fermentation, suggesting that a higher initial concentration of amino acids in the medium did no affect the concentration of biogenic amines after malolactic fermentation. Vintage influenced the amino acid and biogenic amine pattern, obtaining a clear separation of wines by vintages. Monastel and Maturana Tinta de Navarrete wines showed a minor varietal character and were more influenced by the climatic conditions of each vintage than Tempranillo wines. All the wines showed histamine levels below the human physiological threshold and implemented regulations.     

Volatile composition of Bobal red wines subjected to alcoholic/malolactic fermentation with oak chips

The effect of wood, in the form of oak chips, on the volatile composition of Bobal red wines caused by adding oak chips at different stages of the fermentation process has been studied. Aroma compounds were isolated by solid phase extraction (SPE) for subsequent analysis by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Bobal control wine was produced according to traditional winemaking processes, without oak chips. Oak chips were added to the rest of the wines at two dose levels (3 and 6 g/L) at different stages of the winemaking process: at one week during alcoholic fermentation (AF), during malolactic fermentation (MLF) and in young, red Bobal wine. Wines fermented with oak chips during AF showed higher concentrations of the ethyl esters of straight-chain fatty acids and ethyl, hexyl and isoamyl acetates than the control wine. A similar, trend was observed for higher alcohols. Higher concentrations of benzene compounds, oak lactones and furanic compounds were found in wines in contact with oak chips during MLF followed by young Bobal oak wines. These results reveal that the point of addition during the winemaking process and the dose level of oak chips used have a significant effect on the volatile composition of Bobal red wines.     

Classification of Slovak white wines using artificial neural networks and discriminant techniques

This work demonstrates the possibility to use artificial neural networks (ANN) for the classification of white varietal wines. A multilayer perceptron technique using quick propagation and quasi-Newton propagation algorithms was the most successful. The developed methodology was applied to classify Slovak white wines of different variety, year of production and from different producers. The wine samples were analysed by the GC–MS technique taking into consideration mainly volatile species, which highly influence the wine aroma (terpenes, esters, alcohols). The analytical data were evaluated by means of the ANN and the classification results were compared with the analysis of variance (ANOVA). A good agreement amongst the applied computational methods has been observed and, in addition, further special information on the importance of the volatile compounds for the wine classification has been provided.     

Effect of alternative techniques to ageing on lees and use of non-toasted oak chips in alcoholic fermentation on the aromatic composition of red wine

The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of different enological treatments on the volatile composition of red wine: ageing on lees with and without adding β-glucanase enzymes; the use of a commercial yeast derivative with and without β-glucanase enzymes; and the use of non-toasted chips in fermentation. The results indicated that the presence of chips during the fermentation enhanced the formation of 2-phenylethanol, ethyl esters and fusel alcohol acetates, but affected the levels of some of the lactones and volatile phenols studied negatively. In addition, it was found that wine lees and commercial yeast derivatives can bind some of the volatile compounds studied, mainly ethyl esters and fusel alcohol acetates. After 6 months in bottle, in general, the differences found between the control wine and wines fermented with chips were maintained. However, between the control wine and the wines treated with natural or commercial yeast, the differences disappeared, although not for all the compounds studied. Finally, an important effect of the addition of β-glucanase enzymes was not observed.     

Effect of ammonium nitrogen supplementation of grape juice on wine volatiles and non-volatiles composition of the aromatic grape variety Albariño

Vitis vinifera cv. Albariño is an aromatic variety characterised by terpenes present largely as glycosidic flavour precursor compounds, which depends on fermentation to reveal its aromatic varietal potential. Clarified Albariño must containing 250 mg N/L (control) was supplemented with diammonium phosphate to 350 and 450 mg N/L before fermentation with a high-nitrogen-demand wine strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (M05). Ammonium supplementation had a significant effect on the chemical composition (titratable acidity and ethanol) and volatile profile of Albariño wines. Varietal compounds in the free fraction (limonene, linalool, α-terpineol, α-ionone and β-damascenone) and bound (limonene, linalool and α-terpineol), as well as most yeast-derived fermentation products (including esters, higher alcohols and volatile acids) were associated with moderate nitrogen concentrations. Free β-ionone, bound geraniol, bound α-ionone, bound β-damascenone and 1-hexanol were associated with high nitrogen concentrations. OAV wines made with moderate nitrogen exhibited a higher total odorant activity, driven by ethyl esters, terpenes and C₁₃-norisoprenoids, resulting in fruity and floral aroma attributes.     

Thermovinification of grapes from the Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir varieties using immobilized yeasts

This study examined the thermovinification technique using yeasts immobilized on calcium alginate for microvinification of the Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir grape varieties grown in Diamantina, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The wines obtained by thermovinification were characterized by their chemical and sensory aspects. The varietal wines from Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir had an alcohol content of 9.3 and 10.9 % (v/v), respectively. The total acidity, volatile acidity and the alcohol/reduced dry extract ratio were consistent with the Brazilian standards established for identity and quality of wines. There was a significant reduction in the levels of anthocyanins, flavonoids and total phenolic compounds after aging in the bottle. The sensory evaluation presented an acceptability exceeding 60 % for both wines.     

Influence of several enzymatic treatments on aromatic composition of white wines

Albariño wines were treated enzymatically at industrial scale, and the effect of both aromatic extracting and clarifying enzymes on the aroma were evaluated and compared. A commercial enzyme (Endozym cultivar) was added during maceration to two musts; clarification enzyme (Depectil clarification) was added to other two wines after fermentation (control wines), and in other four wines were applied the both commercial enzymatic treatments (Endozym cultivar and Depectil clarification, or Rapidase Xpress and Depectil clarification). Volatile compounds were analysed by gas-chromatography (FID and mass spectrometric detection) and by sensory analysis. All the wines, independently of the type of enzyme, presented different aromatic characteristics in comparison to the control wines, above all the wines obtained from the enzyme applied during maceration which showed the highest contents in varietal compounds and in other desirable compounds, such as benzene derivatives, ethyl esters or phenylethyl acetate. The employ of maceration and clarification enzymes as a whole seemed not be suitable because this combination could be cancel the released aromas by the glycosidase enzyme during the pellicular contact. Principal component analysis of chemical data corroborated these effects, because a very clear and good differentiation was achieved between the wines treated only with the maceration enzymes (glycosidase activity) opposite to the wines subjected to the other enzymatic treatments. These results are also closely related to the sensory analysis, which indicated that the glycosidase enzymatic treatment seemed to be effective for the improvement of the aroma of Albariño wines.