Evaluation of a volatile aroma preference of commercial red wines in Korea: Sensory and gas chromatography characterization

The aim of this study was to elucidate the Korean consumers’ aroma preference on wines. For this, a sensory test on 6 commercial red wines (5 imported and 1 domestic) was conducted by 250 panels and the volatile compounds of those wines were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Sample 1 obtained the highest mean aroma acceptability score and analysis of volatile compounds revealed that it retained many kinds of esters and alcohols compared to other wines (including 2 acetate esters, 6 ethyl esters, 3 other esters, and 5 alcohols, mostly giving fruity aroma). Sample 1 was made by blending 2 varieties of grapes and this brewing technology might give a preferred aroma balance. The domestic wine, sample 2, made of ‘Campbell Early’ grape earned relatively higher acceptability score (2^nd ranked), being considered its strong grape aroma. In the lower score group, higher concentrations of isoamyl alcohol, 1-isothiocyanto-propane, and volatile phenol were detected and their strong grassy or fatty odor might affect the lower sensory result. Strategies for production of consumer-preferred wines were suggested.