Effect of cofermentation of grape varieties on aroma profiles of la mancha red wines

The effect of winemaking using blends of red grape varieties cultivated in La Mancha region (Spain) on the aroma profile of wines was researched by chemical characterization. Free and glycosidically bound aroma compounds were isolated by solid phase extraction using dichloromethane and ethyl acetate, respectively, as solvents in elution and then analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Free and bound volatile compounds were analyzed in Cencibel, Bobal, and Moravia Agria monovarietal wines, and in 3 wines obtained with the blending of grapes: Cencibel (50%) + Bobal (50%); Cencibel (50%) + Moravía Agria (50%); Cencibel (33%) + Bobal (33%) + Moravía Agria (33%). Aroma compounds were studied in terms of odor activity values (OAVs). Ninety free aroma compounds and sixty-five bound aroma compounds were identified and quantified. The odor activity values for the different compounds were classified into 7 odorant series. The fruity and sweet series contributed most strongly to the aroma profile of all wines, independently of the winemaking technique used. In general, co-winemaking wines present a more complex chemical profile than monovarietal wines. Practical Application: Some grape varieties could benefit from this process with the presence of other varieties that might have an excess of aroma compounds. In this study, the wines were elaborated by blending different grape varieties together; this process implies co-maceration and co-fermentation steps. The co-winemaking technique could benefit from additional molecules provided by the other varieties, which results in a more complex formation than in the case of monovarietal wines. This technique provides a viable alternative to traditional winemaking methods for improving and enhancing the sensory profile of elaborated wines.     

A historical hypothesis on the origin of the norton grape

During the early nineteenth century, the state of Virginia, USA, had several indigenous varieties of hybrid wine grapes. These appeared naturally as attempts at growing European Vitis vinifera provided a European pollen source for nearby wild American grapes while the vinifera survived. Grapes such as red bland, cunningham, woodson, ronk's blue grape, and beaverdam were once found across Virginia. Today, Virginia producers grow only one representative from that time – the norton variety. Fragmented historical evidence provides for an incomplete, yet compelling argument for the origin of this important variety with only a few reasoned inferences. The resulting hypothesis provides a guide to a robust viticulture for Virginia (and eastern North America) that, if revived, would be the foundation for a truly sustainable viticulture. Norton analog grapes could be grown to produce fruit with high enough quality for excellent wine with a fraction (at most 1/5–1/4 current rates) of the pesticides used to grow European V. vinifera that currently dominate the region's grape growing. Eastern North America could once again set about perfecting indigenous wines unique in the world.     

Aroma Characterization of Cabernet Sauvignon Wine from the Plateau of Yunnan (China) with Different Altitudes Using SPME-GC/MS

The aroma characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon wines from five different altitudes (Xidang-2110, Dari-2249, Jiunongding-2330, Adong-2610, and Jiangpo-2788, respectively) in the plateau of Yunnan (China) were detected by headspace solid phase micro-extraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry. The results showed that the numbers of volatile compounds increased with altitude rising, while the concentration of the total volatiles decreased with the exception of Xidang-2110. Alcohol and esters accounted for more than 97% of the total volatile compounds. Ten out of thirty-six components (22%) identified and quantified in five wines were found at concentrations higher than their corresponding threshold values (OAVs > 1). Ethyl hexanoate, ethyl butyrate, and 1-octen-3-ol were the three most powerful odorants in wine from Xidang-2110; but odor activity values and relative odor contribution of 1-octen-3-ol were higher than ethyl hexanoate and ethyl butyrate in the wines from Dari-2249 and Adong-2610; meanwhile β-damascenone, ethyl hexanoate, and 1-octen-3-ol were the three most powerful odorants in wines from Jiunongding-2330 and Jiangpo-2788.     

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.     

Identification and Quantification of Impact Aroma Compounds in 4 Nonfloral Vitis vinifera Varieties Grapes

ABSTRACT:  The aroma compounds in grapes of Cabernet gernischt, Cabernet sauvignon, Cabernet franc, and Merlot have been studied by gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC–O). The GC–O study revealed the presence of 58 aroma compounds in which 53 odorants were identified. The most significant odor active volatiles in 4 grape berries were β-damascenone, hexanal, ( Z )-3-hexen-1-ol, ( E,Z )-2,6-nonadienal, β-ionone, and unknown (RI = 1612). The quantification of volatile aroma compounds in grapes was developed using headspace solid phase microextraction (HS–SPME) coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The influences of SPME fiber, extracting temperature, and time on the extraction of volatile compounds in grape were investigated. The aroma compounds in 4 grapes were quantified. According to the odor activity values (OAVs), ( E,Z )-2,6-nonadienal (OAV from 334 to 777), β-damascenone (OAV 245–790), β-ionone (OAV 97–193), and acetic acid (OAV 7–165) had comparatively high OVA values.     

Headspace solid‐phase micro extraction coupled to comprehensive two‐dimensional with time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry applied to the evaluation of Nebbiolo‐based wine volatile aroma during ageing

This study presents the application of a headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) method on the analysis of Nebbiolo‐based wine volatiles by comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (TOF‐MS). The aroma patterns were established for different samples of Nebbiolo‐based wines, aged in oak wood barrels for 18 months at constant temperature. The methodology allowed for the simultaneous analysis of over 130 different volatile compounds detected in the headspace. The odour activity values (OAVs) were assessed to identify potentially important odorants of Nebbiolo‐based wine during ageing. The highest OAVs were obtained for several compounds such as ethyl octanoate, ethyl hexanoate, isoamyl acetate, β‐damascenone, ethyl cinnamate, ethyl 3‐methylbutanate and acetaldehyde. Ethyl butanoate, octanoic acid, ethyl dihydrocinnamate and γ‐nonalactone were also at concentrations higher than their corresponding threshold. Also vanillin, (E)‐whisky lactone, (Z)‐whisky lactone, guaiacol and 4‐ethyl guaiacol seem to be important odorants after oak wood ageing period.     

Characterization and discrimination of premium‐quality,waxy, and black‐pigmented rice based on odor‐active compounds

BACKGROUND: Odor‐active compounds have been studied in cooked aromatic rice, but not in specialty rice types that have distinctly different flavors. We analyzed the odor‐active compounds emanating from three different types of specialty rice (premium‐quality, waxy and black‐pigmented) and identified the differences in odor‐active compounds among them. RESULTS: Twenty‐one, 21 and 23 odorants were detected using GC‐O for cooked samples of premium‐quality, waxy and black‐pigmented rice cultivars, respectively. Hexanal was the main odorant in premium‐quality and waxy cultivars; however, waxy cultivars had 16 times higher hexanal odor activity values (OAVs) than premium‐quality cultivars, indicating premium‐quality rice had a less pronounced overall aroma. 2‐Acetyl‐1‐pyrroline was the main contributor to overall aroma in black‐pigmented rice, followed by guaiacol. The three types of specialty rice were clearly discriminated based on the OAVs of their odor‐active compounds using multivariate analyses. Six odor‐active compounds [2‐acetyl‐1‐pyrroline, guaiacol, hexanal, (E)‐2‐nonenal, octanal and heptanal] contributed the most in discriminating the three types of specialty rice. Six very similar superior cultivars of premium rice could likewise be readily separated using aroma chemistry. CONCLUSION: The ability to discriminate the aroma among rice types using the OAVs of the principal odor‐active compounds facilitates our understanding of the aroma chemistry of specialty rice. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

中国黄酒中香草醛的定性定量分析

采用液-液微萃取结合气相色谱-质谱联用方法对不同黄酒中香草醛进行了定性定量分析,用香气活力值法分析了香草醛在黄酒中的香气贡献,并对黄酒贮存过程中香草醛的变化规律进行了分析。研究结果表明:新酒中香草醛的含量低于市售成品酒的含量,普通市售成品酒中香草醛的浓度低于同品种高档酒中的浓度;在所研究的黄酒中,香草醛的香气活力值均大于1;香草醛主要来源于黄酒贮存过程,并且其含量随着黄酒贮存时间的延长而增加。结论是:液-液微萃取结合气相色谱-质谱联用方法能有效地分析黄酒中香草醛的含量,香草醛是黄酒中有重要贡献的香气化合物,贮存过程有利于黄酒中香草醛的形成。     

FLAVOR AND AROMA ATTRIBUTES OF RIESLING WINES PRODUCED BY FREEZE CONCENTRATION AND MICROWAVE VACUUM DEHYDRATION

This article describes the production of sweet dessert wines produced using late‐harvest freeze concentration, wine produced from fresh grapes frozen using refrigeration and wine produced from grapes partially dried using microwave vacuum dehydration. The objective was to compare the aroma and flavor attributes of the wines to determine the effect of each method of juice concentration. The replicated wine samples were evaluated by 12 experienced judges, and the wines were analyzed using solid‐phase microextraction. The microextraction detected 28 compounds; however, levels of concentration of these compounds were below published aroma thresholds. Although all the wines were judged as acceptable sweet dessert wines, the judges detected significant differences. The wine made from the dehydrated grapes exhibited lower fresh fruit aroma, higher fusel oils and oxidation, and flavor notes including citrus/grapefruit and acidity were lower.     

Application of new fungicides under good agricultural practices and their effects on the volatile profile of white wines

Three new commercial fungicides to control downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola), which contain new generation fungicides (benalaxyl, iprovalicarb and piraclostrobin) were applied under Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) in an experimental vineyard producing white grapes (Vitis vinifera) Godello var. Once white grapes were harvested, single vinifications were performed. To evaluate possible modifications in aroma composition of wines, Odour Activity Values (OAVs) were estimated due to this parameter provides information about sensorial changes. Fungicide residual levels found in treated wines with respect to the control wine reduced the varietal aroma of wines attributed to geraniol. However, treated wines showed an increase in the fruity aroma due to several ethyl esters (ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, and ethyl decanoate) and acetates (3-methyl-1-butyl acetate and 2-phenylethyl acetate) increased their levels and OAVs in presence of fungicide residues; these secondary products of the fermentation process influence strongly the aromatic profile of young wines.     

Free and Bound Volatile Chemicals in Mulberry (Morus atropurpurea Roxb.)

Mulberry (Morus atropurpurea Roxb.) is a popular and desirable fruit that is widely cultivated in China. Despite its popularity, the free volatile chemicals and glycosidically bound volatiles (GBVs) of mulberry have been minimally studied. To this end, we have investigated these compounds in 4 mulberry cultivars via solid phase extraction (SPE) and headspace solid phase microextraction with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS). A total of 55 free volatile chemicals and 57 GBVs were identified and quantified. In 3 of the cultivars (“YFS,” “T10,” and “D10”), the GBVs were found in higher amounts than their free counterparts, corresponding to a ratio of 1.2 to 1.8. The characteristic aromas were determined by their odor activity values (OAVs) and by generating an aroma series (AS). A total of 20 volatile compounds had OAVs ≥ 1.0. In particular, ethyl butanoate, hexanal, (Z)‐3‐hexenal (E)‐2‐hexenal, (E)‐2‐nonenal, and eugenol had relatively high OAVs and were considered to be the key aromas contributing to the mulberry flavor. Consequently, mulberry was characterized by a variety of herbaceous scents having a background of sweet, spicy, fruity, and floral notes. The free volatiles exhibited strong herbaceous notes, whereas the GBVs were responsible for the sweet and spicy qualities of the fruit. Based on our results, 2 cultivars (“YFS” and “D10”) are proposed to be good candidates suitable for the further development of mulberry‐based food products due to their complex and desirable aromas.     

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.     

Effects of Different β‐D‐Glycosidases on Bound Aroma Compounds in Muscat Grape Determined by HS‐SPME and GC‐MS

Important “floral” aromas naturally occur in grapes predominantly as flavourless glycoconjugate precursors. Since these aroma compounds can be released by hydrolysis, different glycosidase enzymes can potentially contribute different aromas to wines. In this paper, we first established a procedure for profiling the free and bound volatile compounds in grape using GC‐MS combined with headspace solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME). Comparison of the free and bound aroma compounds revealed that non‐volatile glycosides, known as aroma precursors, occur in high concentrations in musts. Among all compounds identified, 11 were fully quantified according to established standard calibration curves, while others were semi‐quantified. Using three different glycosidase enzymes, a total of 38 bound volatile compounds were identified in Muscat grape, including terpenes, higher alcohols, C‐6 compounds, and phenols, among others. The different enzymes had significant effects on the varietal aroma. Principal component analysis indicated that the characteristic aroma hydrolyzed by the commercial enzyme AR2000 was clearly different from that produced by other enzymes.     

Occurrence and contribution of alkyl methoxypyrazines in wine tainted by Harmonia axyridis and Coccinella septempunctata

BACKGROUND: Ladybug taint (LBT) is a wine fault caused by the inadvertent incorporation of ladybeetles to the wine during the winemaking process. Harmonia axyridis, also known as the multicolored Asian lady‐beetle (MALB), was the only species considered responsible for causing the taint. A second species, Coccinella septempunctata (7 Spot), has recently also been implicated. The main objectives of this study were to identify and quantify the compounds associated with ladybug taint of white and red wine from these two Coccinellidae species (Harmonia axyridis and Coccinella septempunctata), and determine the most odor‐active compounds in LBT‐affected wines. RESULTS: Results show that Coccinellidae can contribute dimethyl, isopropyl, secbutyl and isobutyl methoxypyrazine to wine when they are processed with grapes, and that the methoxypyrazine composition varies between MALB and 7 Spot. Isopropyl methoxypyrazine is the major contributor to LBT in wines produced with these ladybeetle species, although secbutyl and isobutyl methoxypyrazine may contribute in MALB‐ and 7 Spot‐affected wines, respectively. Finally, dimethyl methoxypyrazine is reported for the first time in wines not affected by Coccinellidae; the global significance and prevalence of this compound in wine remains to be determined. CONCLUSION: Both Harmonia axyridis and Coccinella septempunctata can contribute alkyl methoxypyrazines, and particularly isopropyl methoxypyrazine, to wine at concentrations that can have a negative impact on wine quality. These findings will allow grape growers and winemakers to be more aware of the risks posed by 7 Spot beetles, and to take the appropriate preventative and remedial actions. Furthermore, this is the first time dimethyl methoxypyrazine is reported in wine, either as an endogenous or Coccinellidae‐derived odorant. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Changes in the aromatic composition of grape cv. Cheongsoo wine depending on the degree of grape ripening

The volatile composition and properties of wine made using the ‘Cheongsoo’ grape cultivar harvested at different stages of ripening were evaluated. There were changes in the chemical composition of ‘Cheongsoo’ wine, including pH, total acidity, total polyphenols, and tannins according to the degree of grape ripening. Colorimetric analysis indicated that wines had yellow tones and deep and very strong colors with a high chromatic intensity depending on the degree of grape ripening. Of 87 detected flavor compounds, 26 had high OAV (odor active values). Based on OAV, 26 compounds were considered to be important odorants for ‘Cheongsoo’ wine. A harvest date of September 19 showed good separation from August 29 and September 8 and 29, depending on the degree of grape ripening, on a principle components analysis plot for grape ripening. More volatile compounds were present in September 19 harvested grapes.     

Thiol precursors in Catarratto Bianco Comune and Grillo grapes and effect of clarification conditions on the release of varietal thiols in wine

Background and Aims

Varietal thiols characterise the typical aroma of several white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc. Their presence and sensory perception were suggested in two Sicilian grape cultivars, Catarratto Bianco Comune (CBC) and Grillo, though it has not been analytically proven.

Methods and Results

Varietal thiol precursors and free varietal thiols were assessed in CBC and Grillo grapes, musts and wines by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation high‐resolution MS. The isobaric compounds including S‐3‐(hexanal)‐glutathione and S‐3‐(4‐mercapto‐4‐methylpentan‐2‐one)‐glutathione (GSH‐4MMP) were distinguished by comparing their accurate masses and high‐resolution‐MS/MS spectra with those of their synthetic standards. S‐3‐(Hexanal)‐glutathione, S‐3‐(hexan‐1‐ol)‐glutathione and S‐3‐(hexan‐1‐ol)‐cysteine were found in grape, must and wine, whereas GSH‐4MMP and its hydrolysed forms were not found. Their concentration decreased during winemaking, mostly after grape pressing. We compared the effect of clarification conditions based on the exposure of must to either air or CO₂ on the concentration of thiol precursors and free thiols in wine; however, negligible differences were observed. The concentration of free thiols in the wines was found to be in the range 400–1100 ng/L and they were unaffected by the two clarification conditions tested.

Conclusions

The isobaric S‐3‐(hexanal)‐glutathione and GSH‐4MMP were clearly distinguished for the first time by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography/high‐resolution MS through their retention times and MS spectra. These varietal thiols were revealed in CBC and Grillo wines for the first time. The air‐free and air‐exposed clarification treatments had little effect on the concentration of the varietal thiols.

Significance of the Study

This study highlights the major impact of the varietal thiols (mainly 3‐mercapto‐hexan‐1‐ol and its acetate form) on the sensory properties of CBC and Grillo wines.