Chemical characterization of the aroma of Grenache rosé wines: aroma extract dilution analysis,quantitative determination,and sensory reconstitution studies

The aroma of a Grenache rosé wine from Calatayud (Zaragoza, Spain) has been elucidated following a strategy consisting of an aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA), followed by the quantitative analysis of the main odorants and the determination of odor activities values (OAVs) and, finally, by a series of reconstitution and omission tests with synthetic aroma models. Thirty-eight aroma compounds were found in the AEDA study, 35 of which were identified. Twenty-one compounds were at concentrations higher than their corresponding odor thresholds. An aroma model prepared by mixing the 24 compounds with OAV > 0.5 in a synthetic wine showed a high qualitative similarity with the aroma of the rosé wine. The addition of compounds with OAV < 0.5 did not improve the model, whereas the aroma of a model containing only odorants with OAV > 10 was very different from that of the wine. Omission tests revealed that the most important odorant of this Grenache rosé wine was 3-mercapto-1-hexanol, with a deep impact on the wine fruity and citric notes. The synergic action of Furaneol and homofuraneol also had an important impact on wine aroma, particularly in its fruity and caramel notes. The omission of beta-damascenone, which had the second highest OAV, caused only a slight decrease on the intensity of the aroma model. Still weaker was the sensory effect caused by the omission of 10 other compounds, such as fatty acids and their ethyl esters, isoamyl acetate, and higher alcohols.     

Characterization of aroma compounds of chinese "Wuliangye" and "Jiannanchun" liquors by aroma extract dilution analysis

Aroma compounds in Chinese "Wuliangye" liquor were identified by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) after fractionation. A total of 132 odorants were detected by GC-O in Wuliangye liquor on DB-wax and DB-5 columns. Of these, 126 aromas were identified by GC-mass spectrometry (MS). Aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) was further employed to identify the most important aroma compounds in "Wuliangye" and "Jiannanchun" liquors. The results showed that esters could be the most important class, especially ethyl esters. Various alcohols, aldehydes, acetals, alkylpyrazines, furan derivatives, lactones, and sulfur-containing and phenolic compounds were also found to be important. On the basis of flavor dilution (FD) values, the most important aroma compounds in Wuliangye and Jiannanchun liquors could be ethyl butanoate, ethyl pentanoate, ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, butyl hexanoate, ethyl 3-methylbutanoate, hexanoic acid, and 1,1-diethoxy-3-methylbutane (FD > or = 1024). These compounds contributed to fruity, floral, and apple- and pineapple-like aromas with the exception of hexanoic acid, which imparts a sweaty note. Several pyrazines, including 2,5-dimethyl-3-ethylpyrazine, 2-ethyl-6-methylpyrazine, 2,6-dimethylpyrazine, 2,3,5-trimethylpyrazine, and 3,5-dimethyl-2-pentylpyrazine, were identified in these two liquors. Although further quantitative analysis is required, it seems that most of these pyrazine compounds had higher FD values in Wuliangye than in Jiannanchun liquor, thus imparting stronger nutty, baked, and roasted notes in Wuliangye liquor.     

Sensory and chemical characterization of the aroma of a white wine made with Devín grapes

The aroma profile of a Slovak white wine made with Devín grapes was evaluated by 13 expert judges. The panel evaluated the orthonasal and retronasal aroma profiles, as well as the profile of residual wine aroma found in the empty glass after the consumption. For the majority of attributes, the orthonasal perception was the most intense, followed by retronasal, and finally by the residual odor. Varietal wine Devín possessed primarily a "Muscat" odor by nose, together with intense fruity, sweet, and herbaceous notes. Data were analyzed by generalized procrustes analysis. Two primary clusters separated orthonasal ratings from both retronasal and residual odor ratings. Similar results were obtained by analysis of variance. The relative proportion of "heavy" aroma notes, likely related to polar odorants, increased in retronasal and residual odor profiles. The gas chromatography-olfactometry profile revealed a great complexity and showed that the characteristic aroma of this variety seems to be a mixture of Muscat, Gewürztraminer, and Sauvignon-Blanc, being rich in linalool, cis-rose oxide, and 4-methyl-4-mercaptopentanone.     

Flavor, color, and vitamin C retention of pulsed electric field processed orange juice in different packaging materials

Effects of packaging materials, storage temperature, and time on the stability of pulsed electric field (PEF) processed orange juice were investigated. Single-strength orange juice was treated with PEF at an electric field strength of 35 kV/cm for 59 micros using an integrated pilot plant scale PEF processing and glovebox packaging system. The retention of eight orange juice aroma compounds, color, and vitamin C in glass, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene, and low-density polyethylene were evaluated at 4 and 22 degrees C for 112 days. Packaging material had a significant effect (p < or = 0.05) on the retention of orange juice aroma compounds, color, and vitamin C. PEF-treated orange juice had a shelf life of >16 weeks in glass and PET at 4 degrees C.     

Changes in key odorants of raw coffee beans during storage under defined conditions

During storage of raw coffee beans (green coffee) atypical odors may develop, which are suggested to influence the aroma of particularly the coffee beverage. To gain insight into the aroma compounds responsible for such odor changes, a comparative aroma extract dilution analysis was applied on unstored, raw Arabica coffee beans from Colombia (water content=11.75%) and on the same beans with a water content of 13.5%, which were stored for 9 months at 40 degrees C. In combination with the flavor dilution (FD) factors, the results of the identification experiments showed strong increases in (E)-beta-damascenone (cooked apple-like), 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol (clove-like), and methyl 2-methyl- and methyl 3-methylbutanoate (fruity), whereas others, such as the earthy smelling 3-isopropyl-2-methoxypyrazine as well as 2-phenylethanol and 3-methoxyphenol, remained unchanged during storage. In addition, the previously unknown coffee odorant 2-methoxy-5-vinylphenol (intense smoky odor) increased significantly during storage. Quantitative measurements performed on raw coffee samples stored at various temperatures, water contents, and oxygen availabilities indicated that the significant increase of, in particular, the methyl esters of 2- and 3-methylbutanoic acid were responsible for the pronounced and fruity odor quality perceived in the stored green coffee, whereas the higher concentrations of 2-methoxy-4-vinylphenol and 2-methoxy-5-vinylphenol led to the more pronounced smoky, clove-like odor quality. On the basis of the results obtained, in particular the reduction of the water content in combination with lower temperatures can be suggested to avoid aroma changes in raw coffee beans caused by storage.     

Contribution of dimethyl sulfide to the aroma of Syrah and Grenache Noir wines and estimation of its potential in grapes of these varieties

The contribution of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) to the aroma of Syrah and Grenache Noir wines from the Rhone Valley of France was investigated by sensory analysis, and its levels in these wines were measured. The potential DMS in the corresponding grapes and wines, susceptible to release during wine aging, was evaluated. Free DMS and potential DMS assessed by a heat-alkaline treatment were measured in grape juices and wines by SPME-GC-MS using methods previously reported and slightly modified. A relationship between potential DMS from grapes and the total DMS levels in wine was demonstrated. Furthermore, a linear regression between the ratio of free DMS levels to these total DMS levels in wine and time of storage was found. Free and potential DMS levels in grapes and wines depended on grape variety, vintage, and vine location. DMS imparted a noticeable and complex contribution to the aroma of the wines investigated, depending on the mode of sensory perception used, either before or after glass swirling. It significantly enhanced the fruity notes of the wines, and additional truffle and black olive notes.     

Chemical and sensorial aroma characterization of freshly distilled Calvados. 2. Identification of volatile compounds and key odorants

Eight samples of freshly distilled Calvados were extracted using pentane. Gas chromatography with either a mass spectrometer or flame ionization detector was used to determine the volatile compounds composition of the extracts. More than 120 molecules were identified in Calvados and then correlated with results obtained by olfactometric analysis in our earlier work [Guichard, H.; Lemesle, S.; Ledauphin, J.; Barillier, D.; Picoche, B. Chemical and Sensorial Aroma Characterization of Freshly Distilled Calvados. 1. Evaluation of Quality and Defects on the Basis of Key Odorants by Olfactometry and Sensory Analysis. J. Agric. Food Chem. 2002, 50, 424-432 (preceding paper in this issue)]. Of these, 16 of the 19 molecules that constitute the "aroma skeleton" were identified, including 5 esters, 2 ketones, 5 phenolic derivatives, 2 alcohols, and 2 carboxylic acids. Numerous compounds were also associated with odors found in part 1. These molecules can be considered as being responsible for the good quality of Calvados or, in contrast, for defects. Relative levels of some major olfactive compounds were also estimated and tentatively compared with olfactometric indices found in part 1. A good correlation was found in many cases. Two important markers of defects in Calvados were also identified. 3-Methylbut-2-en-1-ol leads to an "herbaceous" defect, and 1,1,3-triethoxypropane seems to give an "acrolein" defect in the product. "Floral" notes of the aroma of freshly distilled Calvados seem to be due to the presence of phenolic derivatives such as 2-phenylethanol and 2-phenylethyl acetate. Low-molecular-weight esters such as ethyl 2-methylpropanoate, ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, and 3-methylbutyl acetate give, in general, the "fruity" notes. However, the overall aroma of Calvados seems likely to be a subtle balance of various functionalized compounds.     

Investigation of potent odorants and afterodor development in two Chardonnay wines using the buccal odor screening system (BOSS)

Potent odorants of two Chardonnay wines were characterized according to their specific overall aroma profiles and their intraoral release patterns after wine consumption. Therefore, aroma compounds were isolated and analyzed by means of high resolution gas chromatography-olfactometry (HRGC/O), leading to the detection of 36 odor-active compounds in both wines. All compounds were identified. Of the most potent odorants, 25 were quantified in both wines by means of stable isotope dilution assays. For the intraoral investigation of odor compounds at defined times after Chardonnay wine consumption, the recently developed buccal odor screening system was used. Significant differences in the oral persistence of characteristic odor notes were observed for both wines with mainly the characteristic barrique-notes being highly persistent, while fruity notes quickly disappeared from the oral cavity. The obtained analytical data were related to time-resolved retronasal aroma evaluation.     

Changes in volatile compounds and overall aroma profile during storage of coffee brews at 4 and 25 degrees C

In this work, the chemical changes occurring in the volatile fraction of Arabica coffee brews during storage at 4 and 25 degrees C for 30 days have been characterized for the first time by means of HS-GC-MS. A total of 47 compounds were identified and quantified: 2 sulfur compounds, 7 aldehydes, 3 esters, 15 furans, 5 ketones, 1 alcohol, 2 thiophenes, 4 pyrroles, 1 pyridine, 5 pyrazines, 1 alkene, and 1 acid. No new volatile compounds were detected at the end of the storage time. The changes observed are, in general, slower and less pronounced at refrigeration temperature. Storage also affects the sensory characteristics of the stored coffee brews, which lose part of their aroma intensity and freshness, acquiring some nondesirable notes such as rancid aroma, mainly during storage at 25 degrees C. Furthermore, seven aroma indices have been proposed as indicators of coffee brew staling, which show a good correlation with some sensory attributes, not only for aroma but also overall sensory quality. Consequently, they could be considered useful to monitor both the "age" and the sensory quality of stored coffee brews.     

Changes in volatile compounds of carrots (Daucus carota L.) during refrigerated and frozen storage

Carrots (Daucus carota L.) of cv. Bolero and cv. Carlo were processed into shreds and stored for up to 4 months at -24 degrees C (frozen storage), or the roots were stored for up to 4 months at 1 degrees C (refrigerated storage) followed by processing into shreds. Volatiles from the carrot shreds were collected by dynamic headspace technique and analyzed by GC-FID, GC-MS, GC-MS/MS, and GC-O to determine the volatile composition and aroma active components of carrots stored under different temperature conditions. A total of 52 compounds were quantified, of which mono- and sesquiterpenes accounted for approximately 99% of the total volatile mass. Major volatile compounds were (-)-alpha-pinene, beta-myrcene, (-)-limonene, (+)-limonene, (+)-sabinene, gamma-terpinene, p-cymene, terpinolene, beta-caryophyllene, alpha-humulene, and (E)- and (Z)-gamma-bisabolene. A considerable increase in the concentration of mono- and sesquiterpenes was observed during refrigerated storage, whereas the concentration of terpenoids was around the same level during frozen storage. GC-O revealed that the major volatiles together with (+)-alpha-pinene, (-)-beta-pinene, (+)-beta-pinene, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, (-)-beta-bisabolene, beta-ionone, and myristicin had an odor sensation, which included notes of "carrot top", "terpene-like", "green", "earthy", "fruity", "citrus-like", "spicy", "woody", and "sweet".     

Effect of cis/trans isomerism of beta-carotene on the ratios of volatile compounds produced during oxidative degradation

beta-Carotene is, when cleaved, an important source of flavor and aroma compounds in fruits and flowers. Among these aroma compounds, the main degradation products are beta-ionone, 5,6-epoxy-beta-ionone, and dihydroactinidiolide (DHA), which are associated by flavorists and perfumers with fruity, floral, and woody notes. These three species can be produced by degradation of beta-carotene through an attack by enzyme-generated free radicals and a cleavage at the C9-C10 bond. This study investigated the influence of cis/trans isomerism at the C9-C10 bond on the production of beta-carotene degradation compounds, first with a predictive approach and then experimentally with different isomer mixtures. beta-Carotene solutions containing high ratios of 9-cis-isomers produced more DHA, suggesting a different pathway than for the transformation of all-trans-beta-carotene to ionone and DHA. These results are important in the search for financially viable processes to produce natural carotene-derived aroma compounds.     

Influence of temperature, modified atmosphere packaging, and heat treatment on aroma compounds in broccoli

The aroma compounds in broccoli stored in different modified atmospheres were studied. The packaging materials used were oriented polypropylene (OPP), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) containing an ethylene-absorbing sachet. All samples were stored for either 1 week at a constant temperature of 10 degrees C or for 3 days at 4 degrees C, followed by 4 days at 10 degrees C. The atmospheres that developed inside the packaging materials differed significantly. The broccoli samples were analyzed raw and after cooking, with regard to volatile compounds, using gas-phase (headspace) extraction followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and GC-olfactometry. Dimethyl sulfide (DMS), dimethyl disulfide (DMDS), dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS), hexanal, 3-cis-hexen-1-ol, nonanal, ethanol, and a group of thiocyanates were selected for a detailed study because these compounds cause off-odor and can be used as indicators of stress. Significant differences were found in the aroma profiles of the broccoli samples relative to the packaging materials used for storage. Storage in OPP (14% O(2), 10.5% CO(2)) resulted in most of the off-odors, while storage in LDPE (6% O(2), 7% CO(2)) and PVC (17.9% O(2), 4% CO(2)) was found to maintain the concentration of DMS, DMDS, and DMTS during storage. Heat treatment of the broccoli increased the content of aroma compounds as well as the number of compounds containing sulfur.     

Changes in the aroma of a strawberry drink during storage.

The flavor of a commercially available strawberry drink was investigated with special regard to the changes of the sensory properties during the shelf life of the product. The experiments were performed using gas chromatographic methods after liquid-liquid extraction and after solid-phase microextraction of the headspace. A trained sensory test panel was used to substantiate the results from instrumental analyses. The relative concentrations of several compounds were followed over a storage period of six weeks at elevated temperature (37 degrees C), which corresponds to about 12 months storage at room temperature. Significant concentration changes of several flavor compounds were determined after a short storage time. These results correlate highly with changes in the aroma observed by the sensory test panel. Further on, changes in the sensorial relevance of aroma active compounds were monitored by comparative aroma extract dilution analysis of extracts of the fresh product and the product at the end of the declared shelf-life time. The results showed a significant decrease in flavor dilution factors of compounds with characteristic fruity attributes.     

Identification of potent odorants in different cultivars of snake fruit [Salacca zalacca (Gaert.) Voss] using gas chromatography-olfactometry

Three cultivars of snake fruits, Pondoh Hitam, Pondoh Super, and Gading, were freshly extracted using liquid-liquid extraction. The aroma compounds of the three samples were analyzed by GC-MS and GC-olfactometry using the nasal impact frequency (NIF) method. A total of 24 odor-active compounds were associated with the aroma of snake fruit. Methyl 3-methylpentanoate was regarded as the character impact odorant of typical snake fruit aroma. 2-Methylbutanoic acid, 3-methylpentanoic acid, and an unknown odorant with very high intensity were found to be responsible for the snake fruit's sweaty odor. Other odorants including methyl 3-methyl-2-butenoate (overripe fruity, ethereal), methyl 3-methyl-2-pentenoate (ethereal, strong green, woody), and 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3[2]-furanone (caramel, sweet, cotton candy-like) contribute to the overall aroma of snake fruit. Methyl dihydrojasmonate and isoeugenol, which also have odor impact, were identified for the first time as snake fruit volatiles. The main differences between the aroma of Pondoh and Gading cultivars could be attributed to the olfactory attributes (metallic, chemical, rubbery, strong green, and woody), which were perceived by most of the panelists in the Pondoh samples but were not detected in the Gading samples. This work is a prerequisite for effective selection of salak genotypes with optimal aroma profiles for high consumer acceptance.     

Freshness assessments of Moroccan sardine (Sardina pilchardus): comparison of overall sensory changes to instrumentally determined volatiles

Freshness of ice-stored sardine was assessed by two sensory methods, the quality index method (QIM) and the European Union freshness grading system, and by instrumental means using the method of aroma extract dilution analysis. Screening of sardine potent volatiles was carried out at three freshness stages. In the very fresh state, the plant-like fresh volatiles dominated the odor pattern, with the exception of methional. Overall odor changes in sardine throughout storage correlated with changes in the concentration of some potent volatiles: after 2 days of ice storage, (Z)-4-heptenal, (Z)-1,5-octadien-3-one, and methional imparted an overall "fishy" odor character to sardine, whereas at a lower sensory grade (B), the compounds (E)-2-nonenal and (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal could be, in part, associated with the slightly rancid aroma top notes. Trimethylamine was detected as a highly volatile odorant using solid-phase microextraction (SPME) headspace analysis of refrigerator-stored sardine. Intensity and sensory characteristics of some SPME determined volatiles, for example, 3-methylnonane-2,4-dione, were closely related to overall odor changes. SPME headspace analysis may be useful in the characterization of off-flavors in fish.     

Volatile components in fermented soybean (Glycine max) curds.

Volatile components of three commercial fermented soybean (Glycine max) curds (FSC) (A-C) were extracted using a simultaneous steam distillation and extraction apparatus, and extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. A total of 111 compounds was found. Sixty-three compounds were common to all three brands. Brands A, B, and C contained 90, 90, and 82 components, respectively. Major classes of compounds included alcohols (32) and esters (25). Similarities and differences existed in the composition of the FSC samples. Twelve common compounds including six esters, four alcohols, one ketone, and one miscellaneous compound had a dry weight of >1000 microg/kg of sample. Quantitative differences existed among the commercial brands (p<0.05). The quantity of ethanol detected might produce large numbers of ethyl esters that contribute to the desirable fruity and floral notes for the final products.     

Wine production using yeast immobilized on apple pieces at low and room temperatures

A biocatalyst was prepared by immobilization of Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain AXAZ-1 on apple pieces. It was examined by electron microscope and studied during the fermentation of grape must for batch wine-making. The immobilized yeast showed an important operational stability without any decrease of its activity even at low temperatures (1-12 degrees C). Specifically, at 6 degrees C the biocatalyst favored wine production within 8 days, which is less time than is required for the natural fermentation of grape must. At 1 degrees C wine production was effected in 1 month. This speeding up of the fermentation could be accepted and adopted by the industry for scaling up the wine-making process. Total and volatile acidities were similar to those found in dry wines. The concentrations of higher alcohols (propanol-1 and isobutyl alcohol) were low. The presence of amyl alcohols proved to be temperature dependent and decreased with the temperature decrease. The values of ethyl acetate concentrations were relatively high, up to 154 mg/L. This probably contributes to the fruity aroma and excellent taste of the produced wines. There was no indication of vinegar odor in the product given that the volatile acidity was <0.47 g of acetic acid/L. From the GC-MS analysis it was concluded that cell immobilization did not create serious changes in the product (wine) with regard to the qualitative composition of the aroma compounds.