Shiraz berry size in relation to seed number and implications for juice and wine composition

This study was conducted over three seasons on irrigated Shiraz grapevines growing in a warm climate. We addressed the question of whether differences in berry size (within a population of berries from minimally pruned, own‐rooted or Ramsey‐grafted vines), would lead to differences in juice composition, wine composition or wine sensory score. Predictably, berry mass was found to increase with seed number, but berries in the smallest mass categories (0.3–0.7 g) still had similar juice soluble solids and pH; and similar concentrations of K+, tartaric acid and malic acid, compared with larger berries (1.4–2.0 g). Only for the very smallest mass category (0.3–0.55 g) was there any indication of better colour density (both for own‐rooted and Ramsey‐grafted vines) or higher anthocyanin concentration (for own‐rooted vines) compared with larger berries (1.4–2.0 g). Concentrations of tartaric acid and K+ in berry skins were highest in the smallest berry mass categories (0.3–0.7 g) and decreased with increasing berry mass (up to 1.4–2.0 g). A strong correlation (R²= 0.85) between skin tartaric acid and K+ concentrations was observed across that range. Small‐scale wine lots based on small berries (0.8–0.9 g) versus large berries (1.2–1.3 g) showed no differences in measures such as soluble solids, total acids or pH of juice; nor any differences in pH, total acids, K+, tartrate, malate, spectral characteristics or sensory score of corresponding wines. Moreover, small berries had a similar skin to fruit ratio, and a similar juice yield, compared to large berries. However, when measured post‐fermentation, the ratio of seed weight to skin weight was higher for small berries. The mass range of berries used here for small‐scale winemaking (i.e. from 0.8–0.9 g up to 1.2–1.3 g), covered the range of Shiraz berry mass typically found in irrigated vineyards (from 0.8 to 1.5 g), and thus confirms the relevance of present outcomes to practical winemaking. Finally, our data for variation in juice and wine composition as a function of berry size, showed consistent trends for all seasons, and thus implies that reported instances of improved wine quality from small berries (often associated with certain pruning treatments or deficit irrigation strategies), are more likely due to treatment effects that lead to small fruit, rather than to intrinsic developmental differences between large and small berries.     

Effects of the rootstock Ramsey (Vitis champini) on ion and organic acid composition of grapes and wine, and on wine spectral characteristics

The influence of Ramsey, used as rootstock of the scion cvs Muscat Gordo Blanco (syn. Muscat of Alexandria), Shiraz (syn. Syrah), Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay, on the characteristics of the grape berries and of wine made from them was investigated, comparing ‘own-rooted’ and ‘grafted’, and comparing wine fermented as juice (without skins) and must (juice and skins). The study involved the partitioning of K+ within berries, changes in juice K+, malic and tartaric acid through fermentation, wine inorganic ion and organic acid composition, and wine spectral characteristics. K+ concentration was higher in berries from grafted than from own-rooted for all varieties except Chardonnay, and highest for grafted Shiraz. It was higher in skin than in pulp and seeds. In the pulp, it was highest for grafted Shiraz. K+ concentrations in all ferments using must (i.e. juice plus skins) increased during the initial two days after crushing, with the increase reflecting extraction from skins, being greatest for Shiraz and Muscat Gordo Blanco. Tartaric acid concentration in must also increased during the initial two days after crushing and then decreased. Malic acid concentration was higher in juice of Ramsey-grafted than own-rooted vines, especially for Shiraz; concentrations did not change markedly during the initial 12 days of fermentation, except where malo-lactic fermentation occurred. Wine made from grapes of grafted contained significantly less tartaric and more malic acid than that made from own-rooted for all varieties and for both fermentation types, with the exception of tartaric acid in wine of Muscat Gordo Blanco fermented as must. Wine made from juice had significantly higher tartaric acid and lower malic acid than that made from must for all varieties except for tartaric acid in wine from grafted Shiraz and malic acid in own-rooted Chardonnay. Wine had a smaller tartaric acid/malic acid ratio when made from must. Wine pH was positively correlated with K+ but negatively with tartaric acid and with the tartaric acid to malic acid ratio. Overall, Shiraz wine contained highest Cl?, Na+ and K+ concentrations. Red wines obtained from grafted had higher colour hue, especially those from Shiraz. Wines made from fruit borne on own-rooted Cabernet Sauvignon had the highest concentration of total anthocyanins, ionised anthocyanins and total phenolics.     

Rootstock and salinity effects on rates of berry maturation, ion accumulation and colour development in Shiraz grapes

Shiraz grapevines on either their own roots, or on the rootstocks Ramsey, 1103 Paulsen, 140 Ruggeri or 101–14, were grown at two separate sites within the Murray‐Darling viticultural region with similar irrigation regimes but with an irrigation water salinity of either 0.43 dS/m (low salinity site) or 2.3 dS/m (high salinity site). Rootstock effects on grape berry development, ion concentrations, soluble solids and acidity were followed during one season. Wines were also made and compared using spectral analysis and sensory evaluation. Rootstock effects that were common across both sites were (1) a close relationship between K+and soluble solids accumulation in developing grape berries which commenced at the onset of veraison and was indicative of a link between K+and sucrose transport in the phloem, and (2), higher wine K+, pH and colour hue for all rootstocks with one exception, namely 101–14 at high salinity where 101–14 responded similarly to own roots. Juice K+, pH and loss of K+from juice during winemaking were highest for grapes from the high salinity site. Mean berry weight was smaller and the range in berry size across rootstocks was narrower at the saline site. The narrower range in berry sizes may have contributed to fewer rootstock effects on wine spectral characteristics at high salinity. There was no effect of rootstock on CO₂ assimilation rate or stomatal conductance at either site, although intrinsic leaf‐based water‐use efficiency measured as A/g was 50% higher at the saline site. All treatments exhibited berry shrivel at maturity, but the extent was smaller at high salinity. Slower development of berry colour during veraison was observed on some rootstocks, for example 101–14, and while unrelated to canopy size per se, a higher leaf‐to‐fruit ratio for 101–14 may have been a factor. Slower berry colour development during veraison had no bearing on the colour density of wine made from the harvested grapes.     

Organic and inorganic anions in Shiraz and Chardonnay grape berries and wine as affected by rootstock under saline conditions

Background and Aims: Rootstocks influence the inorganic ion and organic acid composition of grapes of the scion variety. The aim was to investigate the impact of rootstocks on the inter-relationship of inorganic ions and organic acid anions in the skin and pulp of grapes and in resultant wine. Methods and Results: Vines were irrigated with water having electrical conductivities in the range 1.6–2.1 dS/m. Chloride, sodium, potassium, malic and tartaric acid concentrations were higher in almost all cases in skin than in pulp. Significant positive correlations existed between chloride and sodium concentrations in both pulp and skin. A significant negative linear regression existed between malic acid and both chloride and sodium concentrations in skin of Chardonnay berries. There were positive linear regressions in chloride concentration between berry (pulp and skin) and resultant wine chloride in both Chardonnay and Shiraz. Conclusion: The higher malic acid and lower chloride concentrations in skin of most grafted Chardonnay and Shiraz vines, and vice versa for own rooted vines, may indicate competition for similar transporter proteins involved in loading into skins. Alternatively, higher salt concentrations in skins may be associated with accelerated malic acid catabolism. Significance of the Study: Chloride-excluding rootstocks demonstrated advantages through reduced chloride (but not sodium) in pulp and skin of grape berries and in resultant wines. Where rootstocks reduced chloride concentrations in skin of grape berries, there is potential for higher malic acid in skin and in the resultant red wines.     

Biochemical comparison of two grape varieties differing in juice acidity

The winegrape cv. Cabernet Sauvignon and the tablegrape cv. Gora Chirine (both Vitis vinifera L.) differ in the acidity of their berry juice. The changes in pH, titratable acidity and the concentration of compounds of the berry juice were measured from 20–30 d before veraison to harvest on plants cultivated in the glasshouse. The difference in acidity between the juice of the two varieties appeared before veraison. At harvest, the berry juice of Gora Chirine had a pH of 5.2 and titratable acidity (TA) of 32 meq/L while that of Cabernet Sauvignon had a pH of 3.2 and TA of 150 meq/L. To evaluate cellular compartmentation in the berry pericarp, vacuolar pH was measured on intact berries at two growth stages, using ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Vacuolar pH did not differ significantly between the two cvs. The lower TA of Gora Chirine juice could be attributed to lower concentrations of all three major acids, malic, tartaric and citric, and to a higher concentration of potassium. At veraison, the malic acid concentration in the berry juice of Cabernet Sauvignon was about seven times higher than that of Gora Chirine. The accumulation of hexoses, especially glucose, occurred earlier during the berry growth cycle in Gora Chirine than in Cabernet Sauvignon. The osmotic potential of the Gora Chirine juice, before veraison, was lower than could have been expected because of low acidity. This was due to the compensatory effect of early accumulation of glucose. Amino acid concentration was significantly higher in Gora Chirine than in Cabernet Sauvignon, especially just before veraison. The role of organic acids in berry acidity and osmotic potential, and various metabolic processes that may lead to the difference in organic acid concentration, are discussed.     

Auxin treatment of pre‐veraison grape (Vitis vinifera L.) berries both delays ripening and increases the synchronicity of sugar accumulation

Background and Aims: Pre‐veraison auxin treatments can delay grape berry ripening, but there is little information about their effects on berry development and wine composition. The aim of this study was to further investigate these effects and explore the practical implications of delaying ripening. Methods and Results: Treatment of pre‐veraison Vitis vinifera L. cv. Shiraz berries with 1‐naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) significantly delayed ripening as measured by the accumulation of total soluble solids (TSS) and anthocyanins. The onset of the post‐veraison phase of berry size increase was delayed in NAA‐treated fruit, but these fruit were significantly larger than Control fruit at harvest. NAA‐treatments significantly increased the synchronicity of berry sugar accumulation. GC‐MS analysis of wine headspace volatiles showed significant, but largely small, differences in the concentration of 19 compounds. No significant difference in sensory properties was found between replicate small‐scale wine lots made from Control and NAA‐treated fruit. Conclusions: Auxin treatment delayed berry ripening, increased the synchronicity of sugar accumulation between berries, increased berry size and changed the levels of some volatile compounds, but did not affect wine sensory properties. Significance of the Study: We propose that NAA sprays might be used to delay grape berry ripening and increase the synchronicity of sugar accumulation, and therefore ripening, without deleterious effects on wine quality. This may be useful in controlling winery intake and fruit composition.     

Relationships between different berry components in Tempranillo (Vitis vinifera L) grapes from irrigated and non‐irrigated vines during ripening

The impact of water availability on Vitis vinifera L cv Tempranillo grape yields and juice composition over a 3 year period was studied. Grape juice composition during the different stages of berry growth was compared. The analytical data collected were used to investigate the relationships between some of the different components studied in these berries during the ripening period. The object was to determine whether the relationships could be used to derive mathematical equations for use as indicators of the changes taking place in the different parameters considered and thus of the optimum time for harvesting the grapes for a given wine‐making process. Very similar equations were derived for this grape variety irrespective of the culture conditions (use or non‐use of irrigation) or the different ripening conditions employed. A high degree of correlation between some of the components considered was observed. In any case, cause‐and‐effect relationships could only be established for certain of the parameter pairs considered (total acidity/pH, pH/potassium, °Brix/glucose + fructose, total acidity/tartaric acid and malic acid). For other parameter pairs (berry weight/°Brix, °Brix/pH, °Brix/total acidity) the relationship found was attributable to accumulation and breakdown processes which took place concurrently or overlapped in time. In two cases only there was uncertainty as to whether the relationship observed between the parameters was a cause‐and‐effect relationship or whether the parameters were so closely related that they acted as mutually limiting factors (°Brix/proline, °Brix/total anthocyanins). © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Fluctuations in light intensity modulate ion fluxes from grape berry mesocarp: direct evidence from microelectrode ion flux estimations

Canopy architecture and light spectral composition have long been considered as important factors determining grape juice acidity and K+concentrations. In this study, we provide direct evidence that fluctuations in intensity of light incident on berry tissue may significantly modulate net ion fluxes from and into the berry mesocarp. The MIFE technique was used to quantify fluxes of K+, H+, and Ca²⁺in Pinot Noir and Emperor grape berries. Transition from dark to light induced complex multiphase kinetics of K+flux resulting in significant shift towards net K+uptake by the peripheral mesocarp tissue. When light intensity was modulated in a square-wave manner with a period of 5 to 15 min (mimicking periodicity of natural variations during a typical autumn day in Hobart), K+flux oscillated with the same frequency and a magnitude of about 100 nmol/m²s. Changes in H+and Ca²⁺fluxes showed high positive (R = 0.8) and negative (R = 0.9) correlation, respectively, with those in K+. To the best of our knowledge, these data from excised fruit provide the first reported evidence that light directly incident on bunches may modulate apoplasmic pH and K+concentration in grape. Possible underlying mechanisms are discussed.     

Potassium concentration and pH inter‐relationships in grape juice and wine of Chardonnay and Shiraz from a range of rootstocks in different environments

Background and Aims: pH adjustment during winemaking is a significant cost to the Australian wine industry. This study addresses potassium (K⁺) concentration and pH inter‐relationships in grape juice and wine of Chardonnay and Shiraz. Methods and Results: Chardonnay and Shiraz on own roots, and on Ramsey, 1103 Paulsen, 140 Ruggeri, K51‐40, Schwarzmann, 101‐14, Rupestris St. George and 1202 Couderc were compared at Koorlong and Merbein (Victoria), and Padthaway, Nuriootpa and Rowland Flat (South Australia). Petiole K⁺ concentrations at flowering were a poor indicator of grape juice and wine K⁺ concentrations. The concentration of H⁺ ions in grape juice and wine decreased as K⁺ concentrations increased resulting in increased pH. The relationship between H⁺ and K⁺ concentrations was linear for Chardonnay but exponential for Shiraz, where K⁺ concentrations were higher. Wine K⁺ and grape juice K⁺ concentrations exhibited a positive linear relationship, with slope for Chardonnay about half that for Shiraz, indicating a net loss of K⁺ between grape juice and wine of 58% for Chardonnay and 13% for Shiraz. Conclusions: The study has linked higher wine pH to both higher juice soluble solids and K⁺, and to poorer wine colour hue. Loss of K⁺ during fermentation and cold stabilisation appeared higher for Chardonnay than for Shiraz. Significance of the Study: Rootstocks that lead to lower K⁺ concentrations and pH in grape juice and wine are identified. Differences in the K⁺ concentration dynamics between grape juice and wine of Chardonnay and Shiraz are described and quantified.     

‘霞多丽’葡萄果粒大小对果实品质的影响

酿酒葡萄果实品质和葡萄酒质量与果粒大小密切相关。本实验以云南香格里拉、宁夏玉泉营、山东烟台和新疆五家渠4 个产区的酿酒葡萄‘霞多丽’（Vitis vinifera L. cv. Chardonnay）为试材,按粒径分为大果粒（粒径大于14 mm）、中果粒（粒径14～12 mm）和小果粒（粒径小于12 mm）3 个等级,分别测定各粒径范围果实分布比例、果皮鲜质量、果实鲜质量以及果实可滴定酸、还原糖质量浓度和总酚含量等主要品质指标,并对果实品质进行主成分分析。结果表明：‘霞多丽’在4 个产区中果实多为中、小果粒,单果粒种子数及单粒种子质量均随粒径的增大而增加;可滴定酸质量浓度均在大果粒中较高;总酚和单宁含量除新疆五家渠葡萄表现为大果粒较高外,其他3 个产区均为小果粒较高;黄酮醇类总量在宁夏玉泉营葡萄中表现为小果粒较高,其他产区则为中果粒较高;黄烷醇类总量在云南香格里拉和新疆五家渠葡萄中表现为小果粒较高,宁夏玉泉营葡萄为中果粒较高,山东烟台葡萄则为大果粒较高。结论：主成分分析得出宁夏玉泉营的小果粒‘霞多丽’葡萄综合品质得分最高,新疆五家渠的大果粒‘霞多丽’葡萄综合品质得分最低;除山东烟台产区表现为大果粒‘霞多丽’葡萄得分较高外,其他3 个产区的‘霞多丽’葡萄综合品质得分都表现为小果粒＞中果粒＞大果粒。     

Berry sensory attributes correlate with compositional changes under different viticultural management of Semillon (Vitis vinifera L.)

A study was performed on Vitis vinifera L. (cv. Semillon) to determine changes in berry sensory attributes and composition when vineyard management practices; leaf removal and bunch thinning are applied. Leaf removal increased skin and pulp acidity sensory attributes which corresponded to a decrease in juice pH, malic acid and potassium. Pulp grassiness also decreased with leaf removal, whereas, skin and pulp grape and citrus flavour intensity increased. Bunch thinning increased pH, malic acid and potassium but this was not related to significant changes in berry sensory attributes; however pulp grassiness flavour did increase. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission also revealed changes in elemental juice levels under different management practices. PCA analysis revealed strong correlations between sensory attributes and berry composition. Grape quality can be manipulated by management practices and berry composition and berry sensory analysis combined may be a useful tool for making management and harvest decisions to achieve certain wine styles.     

Australian research on ochratoxigenic fungi and ochratoxin A

The presence of the mycotoxin, ochratoxin A (OTA), has been reported in Australian grape products. Comprehensive surveys of Australian wines have determined that the frequency and level of OTA contamination are low. Aspergillus carbonarius is the primary OTA-producing species associated with grapes in Australia, and all isolates tested to date produce OTA. Aspergillus niger is isolated more frequently from vineyards, however, few strains produce OTA. A. carbonarius and A. niger exist as saprophytes in the top layer of soil beneath vines, from where they are thought to be blown onto bunches. The level of A. carbonarius in soil may be reduced by temperatures above or below the optimum temperature for survival (25 degrees C), by high soil moisture content, and by modifications to tillage and mulching practices. A. carbonarius is an opportunistic pathogen of damaged berries. In the absence of damage, spores may exist on berry surfaces without causing visible rots. Aspergillus rots are associated with black Aspergillus species, primarily A. niger, A. carbonarius and A. aculeatus. The potential for such rots is increased with berry damage, inoculum coverage and berry maturity. Susceptibility to berry splitting is related, in part, to bunch structure, and may be variety-dependent or influenced by rainfall, irrigation and canopy management. Black Aspergillus spp. are closely associated with berries near the main stem of the bunch. During winemaking, around 80% of the OTA initially present in grapes is removed, primarily with the skins and pulp during pressing. Additional reductions occur with the removal of precipitated grape and yeast solids. Bentonite in white wine and yeast hulls in red wine were the most effective non-carbonaceous fining agents for the removal of OTA.     

葡萄酒酿造过程中酸的添加

在葡萄汁或葡萄醪(酒)中加入酸。会引起pH值的降低和滴定酸的增加，优化pH环境，有利于增加SO2的作用效果；抑制与氧化和微生物败坏的有关反应；增加色密度和红葡萄酒的色调；增加酶和皂土作用的效果和提高陈酿潜力。添加的酸有酒石酸、苹果酸、柠檬酸；添加时间为破碎后和分离后。     

葡萄酒微生物病害

葡萄酒是由新鲜葡萄浆果或葡萄汁发酵生产的酒精饮料。引起葡萄酒变质的主要微生物有酵母、醋酸菌和乳酸菌。对于微生物病害要以预防为主,通过微生物计数和稳定性试验等预兆特征来预防病害的发生,在保证原料质量的基础上、控制卫生条件及采用合理的工艺和贮藏管理措施来控制病原菌和发病条件。     

Fungi and mycotoxins in vineyards and grape products

Many fungi may occur on grapes during growth in the vineyard, but the main concern from the viewpoint of mycotoxin contamination is the black Aspergilli, Aspergillus carbonarius and A. niger. These fungi are capable of producing ochratoxin A (OA) which may contaminate grapes and grape products such as wine, grape juice and dried vine fruit. Understanding the ecology and physiology of the black Aspergilli can provide tools for management of OA at all stages of grape production and processing. In the vineyard, careful management of cultivation, irrigation and pruning can assist in minimising the levels of black Aspergilli in the soil, which in turn, can minimise contamination of grapes by these fungi. Minimising damage to grapes on the vine by the use of open vine canopies, grape varieties with resistance to rain damage and by the management of insect pests and fungal diseases (e.g., mildew, Botrytis bunch rot) can reduce the incidence of Aspergillus rot in mature berries. The risk of OA in table grapes can be minimised by careful visual inspection to avoid damaged and discoloured berries. In wine, harvesting grapes with minimal damage, rapid processing and good sanitation practices in the winery assist in minimising OA. During vinification, pressing of grapes, and clarification steps which remove grape solids, grape proteins and spent yeast can also remove a significant proportion of OA. For dried vine fruit production, avoiding berry damage, rapid drying, and final cleaning and sorting to remove dark berries can reduce overall OA levels in finished products.     

Managing ochratoxin A risk in the grape-wine food chain

The main source of ochratoxin A (OTA) in the wine food chain is the infection of grapes by "black aspergilli" in the field. OTA-producing black aspergilli include principally Aspergillus carbonarius, followed by A. niger and possibly A. tubingensis. They are opportunistic fungi that develop particularly on damaged berries at ripening, although they may occur and form OTA on grapes from veraison to harvest. Climatic conditions (high humidity and temperature) and geographical location are important factors favouring OTA accumulation in grape berries. The severity of aspergillus rot is influenced by excessive irrigation and rainfall prior to harvest, which causes berry splitting. In addition, berry wounds caused by insect attack provide preferential entries for black aspergilli. High OTA levels occur in grapes severely damaged by the grape moth, Lobesia botrana, particularly in Mediterranean areas. Some grape varieties display greater susceptibility to aspergillus rot due to intrinsic genetic characteristics and bunch conformation (i.e. compact>sparse). Control measures for toxigenic mycoflora in the vineyards must consider these critical control points. Proper fungicidal and insecticidal treatments can reduce OTA contamination. Nevertheless, knowledge about the fate of OTA and its distribution in wine and winery by-products is important to manage OTA risk in contaminated stock. In our wine-making experiments, only 4% of the OTA present in grapes remained in the wine--the majority is retained in pressed grape pomaces. OTA concentration remained unchanged in wine after a 1-year aging as well as in all liquid fractions collected during vinification (i.e. must, free run wine, and wine after first and second decantation). Activated carbon can reduce OTA levels in wine but negatively affects wine quality.     

Excessive nitrogen supply and shoot trimming can impair colour development in Pinot Noir grapes and wine

We investigated the effects of nitrogen supply and shoot trimming on mature, field-grown Pinot Noir ( Vitis vinifera L.) vines. Ammonium nitrate (0, 30, 60, 90 kg N/ha) was applied at the beginning of flowering. Shoots were topped either once (at fruit set), or twice, (at fruit set and during the lag-phase of berry growth). Neither treatment affected grape berry and skin weights, yield and grape sugar, but high rates of nitrogen increased malic acid and reduced skin phenols, flavonols and anthocyanins. Malvidin-3-glucoside was the most abundant anthocyanin in skins and wine. It accounted for 75% of the total anthocyanins at the beginning of fermentation and its relative proportion increased to 95% in the finished wine.
Increases in anthocyanin concentration at the beginning of fermentation and before malolactic fermentation, were followed by declines during the later stages of alcoholic and malolactic fermentation. High nitrogen supply decreased anthocyanins in the juice and wine, increased pH and increased the percentage of malvidin-3-glucoside. Repeated shoot topping gave lower wine total phenols and anthocyanins and thus enhanced the nitrogen effect. Wine susceptibility to oxidation increased with higher pH and lower anthocyanin content. The best treatment combination for fruit and wine quality, in terms of colour and oxidative stability, was low nitrogen/single topping and the worst combination was high nitrogen/repeated topping. These results suggest that a combination of high rates of nitrogen fertiliser and repeated shoot trimming can decrease potential fruit and wine quality.     

Effects of solar ultraviolet radiation and canopy manipulation on the biochemical composition of Sauvignon Blanc grapes

Background and Aims: New Zealand is exposed to relatively high solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation; such high irradiances of UV radiation having the potential to change the biochemical composition of plants. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of UV radiation and the role of canopy leaves on berry biochemical composition in Vitis vinifera var. Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blanc is the major grape variety grown in New Zealand. Methods and Results: Leaves were removed from around the fruiting zones of vines and screens that altered UV radiation exposures were placed over the grape bunches. Samples taken throughout development were analysed for changes in total phenolic compounds (including flavonols), amino acids and methoxypyrazines. Total phenolic compounds increased substantially in response to UV‐B exposure and this was reflected in changes taking place within the skins of the berries. Flavonol levels were determined by UV‐B radiation exposure and accumulated to maximum concentrations at veraison, subsequently declining to harvest. UV radiation did not have a significant effect on the majority of amino acids or methoxypyrazine concentrations. The most noticeable change in amino acid and methoxypyrazine accumulation was caused by the presence of leaves over the fruiting zone, retaining these leaves maintained significantly higher concentrations in the berries at harvest. Conclusions: UV‐B radiation determines the composition of flavonols in the skins of grapes. Amino acid and methoxypyrazine concentrations are not predominantly determined by UV‐B, but retention of leaves over the fruiting zone promotes their accumulation in berries. Significance: Canopy manipulations are routinely used commercially in the vineyard to help control vigour and reduce disease pressure. The findings presented here are important for viticulturists to understand how management of the vine leaf canopy can determine the biochemical composition of the grapes and can therefore, ultimately affect wine quality.     

HPLC-DAD detection of changes in phenol content of red berry skins during grape ripening

With increasing concern for a demand from consumers for natural products, there is a wide interest in bioactive substances. The new frontier of dietary quality is the study and promotion of functional foods. Phenols are among the most important functional molecules. Red grape and red wine contain bioactive products as phenols. Changes occurring in the concentrations of phenols, such as hydroxycinnamic tartaric acids (hctas), flavonols, and anthocyanins in berry skins, were measured during growth and ripening of four red grape cultivars, Alicante, Black Malvasia, Nerello, and Prunesta (Vitis vinifera L.), cultivated in a coastal location of the Reggio Calabria Province (Southern Italy). These cultivars are the most popular and are considered to be the most suitable grape cultivars for cultivation in the Tyrrhenian side of the Reggio Calabria Province. Fractioning of three phenolic classes was conducted through the adsorbing resin Serdolit XAD-2. Each single phenolic fraction was analyzed by liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Each cultivar presented a different chromatographic profile particularly for anthocyanins. The cultivar Nerello was distinguished from other for its high content of anthocyanins. The rate, at which the concentration of hctas, flavonols and anthocyanins increased, varied greatly among the cultivars. The hydroxycinnamic tartaric acid profile varied in the studied cultivars, in fact in Alicante, Black Malvasia and Prunesta cultivars, the predominant was trans-coumaroyl tartaric acid, while in Nerello cultivar, trans-caffeoyl tartaric acid was the most abundant. In addition, the results showed that amounts of phenolic compounds contained in grape skin changed throughout the grape ripening process.