| Abstract: | α-Ketoglutaric acid was measured enzymically in wines made in the laboratory from three grape varieties by pure cultures of 12 wine yeasts of the genus Saccharomyces. The results were confirmed with the same juices and 4 yeasts on pilot-plant scale in replicated 30 gallon lots. Mean values for the 12 yeasts ranged from 9 to 117 ppm (overall mean 53). In any one juice the yeasts differed by at least 10-fold in the amounts produced, and certain yeasts produced consistently high or low yields in all juices. The amounts of α-ketoglutaric acid produced depended somewhat on the grape juices used, even though these had comparable pH values, and a significant yeast-juice interaction occurred. The amount of α-ketoglutaric acid formed during fermentation at 15° was 60 per cent of that formed at 25°, and over twice as much was formed at pH 4.2 as at pH 3.0, using four yeast strains. Formation of α-ketoglutaric and pyruvic acids were not significantly correlated. The α-ketoglutaric acid content of 18 white table wines made under comparable conditions on pilot-plant scale from different grape varieties using the same yeast strain ranged from 38 to 152 ppm (mean 90). The significance of the results is discussed, particularly in relation to the binding of sulphur dioxide in wine, and recommendations are given on how to make wines which are low in α-ketoglutaric acid. Formation of α-ketoglutaric acid by three yeasts in a chemically defined medium was lower with increased amounts of nitrogen as ammonium sulphate and higher in the presence of L-glutamic acid, both being used separately as sole nitrogen sources. These findings are discussed in relation to the rǒle of α-ketoglutaric acid in nitrogen metabolism of yeasts. |
