Effect of freezing grape berries and heating must samples on extraction of components and composition parameters of red wine grape varieties

Juices from grape samples subjected to two storage methods (fresh and frozen) and two post-homogenisation treatments (21^oC and 71^oC) were examined for extraction of grape berry components and compared to a microvinified wine made from the same lot of fresh grapes. Cabernet Franc ( Vitis vinifera ) and Cynthiana ( Vitis aestivalis ) grapes were evaluated in 2003. Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon ( Vitis vinifera ), Chambourcin (interspecific hybrid) and Cynthiana grapes were evaluated in 2004. Fresh grapes from each variety were sampled, analysed and prepared for microvinification. Frozen grapes of all varieties were thawed and analysed at the same time. For all varieties in both years, heating the must of fresh or frozen grapes increased the titratable acidity (11–58%), tartaric acid levels (12–110%), potassium content (15–62%), darkness (31–97%), red colour (54–1517%) and total red pigment values (36–1171%) of juice as compared to the juice from unheated must. For all varieties in 2004, heating the must from fresh or frozen grapes increased total phenolics (43–619%) of juice as compared to the juice from unheated must. Compared to fresh grape processing, freezing the grapes and then processing at 21^oC or 71^oC had varying results (increases and decreases) regarding the extraction of components in all varieties and both years but usually provided juice with composition most similar to that of the red wine produced by microvinification. Although the degree of extraction of individual components in the juice is influenced by selection of grape storage and must processing procedures, consistency of handling and procedure provided consistent results with low variability.