Influence of pH and ethanol on malolactic fermentation and volatile aroma compound composition in white wines

The present study investigated the influences of pH and ethanol on malolactic fermentation (MLF) and the volatile aroma profile of the subsequent white wines from Riesling and Chardonnay inoculated with two different Oenococcus oeni strains. In all cases MLF was induced after completion of alcoholic fermentation (AF). Partial MLF occurred under low pH 3.2 and high alcohol (118.3 g/L) conditions. In the cases with complete MLF, the time required for each strain varied from 13 to 61 days and was dependent on bacterial culture, cultivar and wine parameter. Chemical properties of each wine were determined after AF, complete and partial MLF. The wines showed significant differences in total higher alcohols, esters and acids that are important for the sensory profile and quality of wine. This work demonstrated that the wine matrix as well as the pH and alcohol concentration affects MLF and the final volatile aroma profile. Results indicate that changes in volatile aroma composition are not necessarily related to complete MLF and that partial MLF already has distinct influences on the wine aroma profile of white wines.     

Yeast autolysis in sparkling wine – a review

Sparkling wine produced by the traditional méthode champenoise requires a second in-bottle alcoholic fermentation of a base wine, leading to the sparkling wine. This second fermentation is followed by prolonged ageing in contact with yeast cells (lees). The autolysis of yeast occurs during the ageing of sparkling wines. During this process, the yeast releases different compounds that modify the organoleptic properties of the wine. The ageing period is required to give these wines their roundness and characteristic aroma and flavour. Autolysis products also influence the foaming properties of sparkling wine. Yeast autolysis is characterised by the hydrolysis of intracellular biopolymers by yeast enzymes activated after cell death. This results in the release of low molecular weight products. This article reviews the recent advances in understanding the yeast autolysis mechanism, the factors affecting autolysis, the nature of the released compounds and their effects on sparkling wine quality.     

Statistical optimization of ethanol fermentation parameters for processing local grape cultivars to wines

Grape juice from two local grape cultivars viz. Punjab MACS purple and H‐144 was subjected to prefermentation skin treatment. Ethanol fermentation w.r.t agitation rate, temperature, inoculum size, and nutrient supplementation were optimized using Triple M medium following response surface methodology (RSM). RSM results were numerically optimized keeping temperature “in range” for red wine and “low” for white wine which showed agitation rate of 80 ± 1 rpm for 24 hr, diammonium hydrogen orthophosphate supplementation @ 150 mg/100 ml, inoculum size of 6.1 and 6.5% (vol/vol), and fermentation temperature of 24.6 and 21 °C as optimum for ethanol fermentation of red and white wines, respectively. Optimized results were validated on grape juice of Punjab MACS purple and H‐144 cultivars that lead to 12.0 and 11.2 (%vol/vol) ethanol production, respectively. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis revealed the presence of 41 volatile compounds in the form of phenols, alcohols, terpenes, esters, ketones, and amines that add to the nutraceutical and antioxidant value of the wines.

Practical applications

Present study provides the statistical optimized fermentation parameters for red and white wine production separately. Optimization of an efficient processing technology to produce local grape wines will help to reduce the price of wines so that they are available to common masses at affordable costs besides improving the economic status of grape growers in the state and providing valuable information to wine makers to establish winery under North Indian conditions. Use of synthetic grape juice (Triple M media; during off season of grapes) lead to optimization of ethanol fermentation parameters in two separate fashions considering fermentation temperature as key parameter. Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis showed the presence of flavonoids, terpenes, and esters increasing nutritive value of product, providing antioxidants to the consuming person.     

酿酒酵母F15和CC17共接种发酵对赤霞珠葡萄酒品质及感官特性的影响

为解决使用单一商业酵母菌株发酵引起的葡萄酒“同质化”问题,本研究以河北昌黎产赤霞珠葡萄为原料,以商业酿酒酵母（Saccharomyces cerevisiae）F15和本土优良酿酒酵母CC17为发酵剂进行单菌株和双菌株共接种（F15:CC17=1:1）发酵,同时监测酒精发酵过程中比重、温度、残糖、乙醇、总酸、pH、花青素、单宁、总酚、色度和色调的变化。发酵结束（192 h）后,分别对酒的香气成分和感官特性进行了测评。结果表明:与F15单菌株发酵相比,双菌株共接种发酵能够提高赤霞珠葡萄酒中花青素、单宁和总酚含量,增加酒的色度并使色调更趋向于红色;与CC17单发酵相比,共发酵组残糖、总酸含量较低;共发酵调谐主要香气成分,并增加饱和脂肪酸乙酯的含量。此外,感官评价结果表明共发酵葡萄酒色、香、味均优于F15单独发酵。因此,在酒精发酵过程中采用商业酵母与本土菌株共发酵是改善葡萄酒品质和感官特性有效方法。     

Influence of the yeast strain on Monastrell wine colour

Two commercial yeast strains were assayed during the winemaking process of Monastrell grapes to determine their influence on colour and phenolic composition of the resulting wines during alcoholic fermentation and maturation. The results showed that in 2002, the wines did not present great differences but in 2003 higher colour intensity and phenolic compounds content were detected when one of the commercial strains was used. A discriminant statistical analysis clearly showed that different yeasts led to different wines as regard their chromatic characteristics.Industrial relevanceThe importance of yeast in winemaking is extensively known since they are responsible for the transformation of sugars into ethanol and for the formation of the most significant aroma compounds in wines. However, they may also participate in wine colour and this role is usually not taken into account in the wine industry. The choice of a yeast strain is an important factor since these microorganisms have the capacity to retain or adsorb phenolic compounds and, on the other hand, yeast may contribute to stabilizing wine colour, as a result of participating in the formation of vitisins during fermentation or liberating mannoproteins that have the capacity to bind to anthocyanins and tannins, protecting them from precipitation. Two commercial yeast strains were assayed during the winemaking process of Monastrell grapes to determine their influence on colour and phenolic composition of the resulting wines during alcoholic fermentation and maturation. The results showed that higher colour intensity and phenolic compounds content were detected when one of the commercial strains was used, both during fermentation and wine aging, and may be used as a tool during winemaking for obtaining stable and highly coloured 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.     

The effect of nitrogen addition on the fermentative performance during sparkling wine production

The transformation of must to wine is influenced by several factors, including the nitrogen composition of the grape must, which has an important impact on yeast growth, fermentation kinetics and the organoleptic properties of the final product. In the production of sparkling wine by the traditional method, a second fermentation takes place inside the bottle, followed by yeast autolysis. Before their inoculation, yeasts cells must be adapted to the wine by the process known as pied-de-cuve. The aim of this study is to determine how nitrogen composition both in the pied-de-cuve and the base wine, affects the development of the second fermentation. This effect was analyzed in three different strains and at two different fermentation temperatures (12 and 16 °C). The results indicate that the nitrogen intake during the pied-de-cuve is crucial for the development of the second fermentation, with strain-dependent nutrient preferences during this phase. The addition of organic nitrogen in this phase can enhance the second fermentation. However, the addition of nitrogen to the base wine, had little effect on fermentation kinetics, indicating that either the residual nitrogen of the wines (< 30 mg N/l), or the nitrogen taken up during the pied-de-cuve, was sufficient to cover the low nitrogen requirements during the second fermentation, and to ensure the good development of this process. The base wine and the temperature had also strong effects on the fermentation length and development. To optimize sparkling wine production, all factors involved in the second fermentation should be considered, although the interactions between base wine, temperature and yeast strain have the strongest effect on fermentation kinetics.     

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.     

Production technologies for reduced alcoholic wines

The production and sale of alcohol-reduced wines, and the lowering of ethanol concentration in wines with alcohol levels greater than acceptable for a specific wine style, poses a number of technical and marketing challenges. Several engineering solutions and wine production strategies that focus upon pre- or postfermentation technologies have been described and patented for production of wines with lower ethanol concentrations than would naturally arise through normal fermentation and wine production techniques. However, consumer perception and acceptance of the sensory quality of wines manufactured by techniques that utilize thermal distillation for alcohol removal is generally unfavorable. This negative perception from consumers has focused attention on nonthermal production processes and the development or selection of specific yeast strains with downregulated or modified gene expression for alcohol production. The information presented in this review will allow winemakers to assess the relative technical merits of each of the technologies described and make decisions regarding implementation of novel winemaking techniques for reducing ethanol concentration in wine.     

Inhibition of malolactic fermentation by Saccharomyces during alcoholic fermentation under low- and high-nitrogen conditions: a study in synthetic media

The ability of different wine yeast ( Saccharomyces cerevisiae ) to inhibit malolactic bacteria ( Oenococcus oeni ) and the influence of nitrogen were studied using a synthetic grape juice. Malolactic fermentation was induced in fermenting synthetic grape juice or synthetic wines inoculated with different commercial strains of S. cerevisiae. O. oeni was generally inhibited in wines that contained higher concentrations of total SO₂ although many yeast strains only inhibited the bacteria during fermentation under high nitrogen conditions. Yeast produced higher amounts of SO₂ during fermentation under high nitrogen conditions suggesting that nitrogen affected the malolactic fermentation by influencing yeast SO₂ production. However, the production of SO₂ by yeast did not always account for the inhibition of O. oeni , suggesting the presence of other inhibitory mechanisms.     

低高级醇石榴酒的酵母筛选及发酵工艺优化

为了探究酵母种类和发酵条件对石榴酒高级醇含量的影响,本实验以石榴汁为原料,通过全汁发酵的方法,采用两种不同的工艺对酿酒酵母进行筛选以及对酿造条件进行优化,生产高级醇含量低的石榴酒.通过对石榴酒理化性质的测定以高级醇含量作为主要指标筛选出最佳酵母和最优条件,结果显示:筛选的酵母中,WY-T21酵母生成的高级醇含量最低,总...     

Effects of nutrient supplementation on fermentation kinetics, H2S evolution, and aroma profile in Verdicchio DOC wine production

Different yeast nutrient additions were studied for the 2008 and 2009 vintages of Verdicchio grape juice fermentation. Addition of yeast derivatives at the beginning of fermentation and/or different amounts of diammonium phosphate at various times within the first half of fermentation were examined, with initial yeast assimilable nitrogen concentrations set at 200 and 250 mg l^?1. Supplementation with glutathione in combination with this nitrogen addition was also evaluated. Fermentation rates were monitored throughout these fermentations carried out under different nutrient conditions. H₂S production during fermentation and synthesis of volatile compounds in the finished wines were quantified; the wines also underwent sensory evaluation. The fermentation kinetics were almost exclusively influenced by the inorganic nitrogen supplementation with diammonium phosphate. H₂S evolution was more affected by assimilable nitrogen than glutathione. Diammonium phosphate significantly reduced H₂S production, with a further reduction in the presence of yeast derivative. This nitrogen supplementation yielded higher concentrations of acetate esters, and in particular of isoamyl acetate (fruity aromas), which positively influences the analytical and aroma profile of wines and results in a general reduction in 2-phenylethanol production (floral aromas). Overall results (two harvesting times and vintages) indicate that the management with diammonium phosphate and yeast derivative supplementation improves the kinetics of fermentation and provides a good tool to reduce H₂S formation and increase the analytical and sensory quality of Verdicchio wine.     

Fermentative aptitude of non-Saccharomyces wine yeast for reduction in the ethanol content in wine

Over the last few decades, there has been a progressive increase in the ethanol content in wines due to global climate change and to the new wine styles that are associated with increased grape maturity. This increased ethanol content can have negative consequences on the sensory properties of the wines, human health, and economic aspects. Several microbiological approaches for decreasing the ethanol content have been suggested, such as strategies based on genetically modified yeasts, the adaptive evolution of yeasts, and the use of non-Saccharomyces yeast. In the present study, we investigated the interspecies and intraspecies variability of some non-Saccharomyces wine yeast species under anaerobic fermentation conditions. Across different grape juices and fermentation trials, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Zygosaccharomyces sapae, Zygosaccharomyces bailii, and Zygosaccharomyces bisporus promoted significant reductions in ethanol yield and fermentation efficiency in comparison with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The diversion of alcoholic fermentation and the abundant formation of secondary compounds might explain the marked reduction in ethanol yield, as determined through the segregation of the majority of the strains according to their species attributes observed using principal component analysis. These data suggest that careful evaluation of interspecies and intraspecies biodiversity can be carried out to select yeast that produces low-ethanol yields.     

Flavor characteristics of rice-grape wine with starch-hydrolyzing enzymes

A brewing process for rice-grape wine, in which rice powder and grapes are concurrently fermented, was developed. Rice powder was mixed with α-glucosidase, glucose isomerase, and yeast, and then incubated for 2 days at 25°C. Then a mixture of ‘Muscat Baily A’ and ‘Campbe Early’ grape must was added to the fermented mixture of rice and maintained at 4°C to allow for complete ethanol fermentation. The rice-grape wine contained 11.6% ethanol, compared to 9.6% ethanol for grape wine. The aroma profile revealed that 2-methyl-1-propanol, 2-methyl propyl acetate, and phenethyl acetate were in greater abundance in the rice-grape wine, whereas ethyl hexanoate, diethyl succinate, and ethyl decanoate were more abundant in the grape wine. The esters formed from fatty acids and ethanol increased during 2 years of storage for both wines. An electronic nose analysis revealed no significant difference in the aromas of the rice-grape and grape wine samples.     

Fermentative stress adaptation of hybrids within the Saccharomyces sensu stricto complex

Along the fermentation process yeasts are affected by a succession of stress conditions that affect their viability and fermentation efficiency. Among the stress conditions the most relevant are high sugar concentration and low pH in musts, temperature and, as fermentation progresses, ethanol accumulation. Nowadays, due to the demanding nature of modern winemaking practices and sophisticated wine markets, there is an ever-growing search for particular wine yeast strains possessing a wide range of optimized, improved or novel enological characteristics. Traditionally, the species S. cerevisiae and S. bayanus within the Saccharomyces sensu stricto species are considered some of the most important yeast species involved in fermentation processes. However, in the last years, hybrid strains between the species S. cerevisiae, S. bayanus and S. kudriavzevii have been described as yeasts conducting the alcoholic fermentations and some of them are commercially available. Our results indicate that yeasts in the Saccharomyces sensu stricto complex were not affected by low pH or high glucose content in the media; however temperature and ethanol concentration variables appreciably affected their growth. The strains pertaining to S. cerevisiae were able to tolerate high temperature stress, whereas strains within S. bayanus and S. kudriavzevii were better adapted to growth at lower temperatures. Regarding to alcohol tolerance, S. cerevisiae is tolerating alcohol better than S. bayanus or S. kudriavzevii. Surprisingly, the natural hybrids between these species have adapted to growth under ethanol and temperature stress by inheriting competitive traits from one or another parental species. These results open new perspectives in the construction of new hybrid strains with biotechnological interest, as the characteristics of the parents may result in interesting combinations in the hybrids.     

三种猕猴桃酒发酵过程中挥发性香气成分的变化

目的:分析不同的果实品种和发酵时间对猕猴桃发酵酒挥发性香气成分的影响。方法:采用顶空固相微萃取/气相色谱-质谱联用技术分析"金艳"、"红阳"和"米良一号"三种猕猴桃发酵酒在发酵过程中的挥发性香气成分。结果:三种猕猴桃酒的主要香气成分包括17种酯类、5种醇类和2种酸类物质,对24种香气成分进行主成分分析,提取出4个主成分。第一主成分包括绝大部分酯类物质,体现猕猴桃酒的花香和果香气息。红阳和米良一号的花香和果香形成于发酵12 d内,金艳的花香和果香形成于发酵5 d内,随后逐渐减弱;在整个发酵过程中金艳的酯类物质总含量高于红阳和米良一号。在第二主成分中主要组分苯乙醇赋予猕猴桃酒玫瑰花香,在整个发酵过程中米良一号的苯乙醇含量明显高于其他两种,具有更为突出的玫瑰花香;红阳、金艳和米良一号的苯乙醇含量分别在发酵5、19和12 d时达到最高。第三主成分反映的是异丁醇和异戊醇,前发酵结束时高级醇含量达到最高,后发酵阶段高级醇含量不断降低;米良一号和红阳的高级醇含量明显高于金艳。第四主成分中乙醇是主要贡献组分,其构成猕猴桃酒的酒香,三种猕猴桃酒在发酵5 d时乙醇含量达到较高水平,12 d时含量略有降低,19 d时含量回升至之前的水平。结论:猕猴桃酒的主体香气成分形成于前发酵阶段,各种挥发性香气成分的含量在后发酵阶段逐渐降低并趋于稳定。金艳猕猴桃酒的酯类物质含量明显高于其他两种,具有更明显的花香和果香,米良一号猕猴桃酒的苯乙醇含量明显高于其他两种,具有更为突出的玫瑰花香。     

Spontaneous and inoculated yeast populations dynamics and their effect on organoleptic characters of Vinsanto wine under different process conditions

Evolution of the microbial composition during the production of Vinsanto wine was investigated under different fermentation conditions to determine their impact on the yeast population and the wine sensorial characteristics. Fermentations were carried out according to the traditional process in 50-l barrels. Different fermentation conditions were applied (yeast inoculum, "mother sediment" addition and temperature) to standardise the Vinsanto production process. Fermentations and products were monitored over the aging period by chemical, microbial and sensory evaluation. The low temperature at the beginning of the fermentations under traditional cellar conditions results in prolonged survival of the non-Saccharomyces yeast. In contrast, Saccharomyces yeast populations dominated throughout the fermentation when the temperature of the cellar was maintained at a constant 16-18 degrees C. Results indicate that inoculation with a commercial yeast strain and fermentation temperature strongly influence the evolution of Vinsanto wine. The "mother sediment" seems to have no direct role as a microbiological starter in Vinsanto production but, despite this, it does have a strong influence on the sensory attributes of the Vinsanto wine. Our work highlights the importance of managing the fermenting microflora to improve the sensorial characteristics of Vinsanto wine.     

Chemical, physical-chemical, and sensory characteristics of lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn) wines

Abstract: Four lychee (Litchi chinensis Sonn) wines (prepared with 3 yeast strains [UFLA CA11, UFLA CA1183, and UFLA CA1174]) and a spontaneous fermentation (SPON) were done in order to add value to the fruit while preventing waste arising from the short shelf life of lychee. The fermentation was monitored daily by analyzing the soluble solids, pH, acidity, ethanol, and sugar. At the end of fermentation, the wines were subjected to chemical, physical–chemical, and sensory analysis. The wines prepared showed greater variations in the qualitative than in the quantitative analysis of their constituents. The sensory analysis indicated that the wines fermented by yeast UFLA CA1183 and UFLA CA11 had rates of acceptance above 75%. The principal components analysis separated the wines into 2 groups according to the analyzed compounds. Based on these analyses, the wine produced by inoculation with UFLA CA1183 proved to be the most suitable for the production of lychee wines. Practical Application: Development of new products and adding value to fruits. Importance of selection of specific yeasts for production of fruit wine.     

Release of polysaccharides by yeasts and the influence of released polysaccharides on colour stability and wine astringency

Release of polysaccharides by three strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae during alcoholic fermentation in synthetic medium and red wine was studied. Polysaccharides after isolation from media by ethanol precipitation were quantified by a colourimetric method as well as by HPLC assay in wines. Yeast strains differed in their capacity to release polysaccharides into the medium and a maximum concentration of 100mg/L was observed. For all strains, release varied according to metabolic phase, with greater release occurring when the yeast mortality rate was high. Mannose was the main component (90%) of these polysaccharides, with the exception of yeast strain BM45 which contained approximatively 50% glucose and 50% mannose. This composition may be related to cell wall composition. The results suggest that polysaccharides can combine with anthocyanins and tannins in wine. This combination seems to increase colour stability and decrease astringency.