Foam aptitude of trepat and monastrell red varieties in cava elaboration. 2. Second fermentation and aging

The foam properties of sparkling wines (Cava) made from two red autochthonous grape varieties, Trepat and Monastrell, and coupages, including different percentages of them, were studied during second fermentation and aging. The effect of second fermentation on foam gave the highest decreases when the base wines had the highest foam values, while gave the lowest decreases or even increases for the base wines with the lowest foam characteristics. However, the greater the HM and Sigma of the base wine, the greater the foam values of the sparkling wine. Base wine determinations for quality control in cellars could provide information about future sparkling wine foaming. Acidity parameters, ethanol, sulfur, and polysaccharides contents were correlated to foam characteristics in the sparkling wines. In terms of color and foaming, wines made from the red varieties Trepat and Monastrell blended with white variety wines could be appropriate for elaborating "blanc de noirs" sparkling wines.     

Prediction of wine foaming.

A procedure for estimating the foam properties of sparkling base wines without specifically measuring foam was developed. This method was based on mathematical equations established between the usual parameters of wine quality control (independent variables of the equations) and the wine foam parameters [foamability (HM), Bikerman coefficient (Sigma), and surface tension (ST)] obtained with the specific equipment (dependent variables of the equations). Ninety-six white wines from the Cava region produced at industrial scale were used to establish these equations. Two predictive equations that could be applied to different types of wine from different origins were obtained: one to predict the foamability (HM) and the other to predict the Bikerman coefficient (Sigma). Moreover, the database of foam parameters of the 96 wines allowed a qualitative assessment of wine foaming values.     

Sensory and analytical study of rose sparkling wines manufactured by second fermentation in the bottle

The sensory and analytical characteristics of five rose sparkling wines manufactured by the traditional method have been determined. Moreover, the changes that take place in the nitrogen and volatile fraction of the wines during the second fermentation and the aging with the yeasts have been studied. Each of these wines was made from a single industrial rose base wine of the Garnacha Tinta variety, with five selected yeasts strains. The base wine had a low content in free amino acids, 16 mg/L, and the yeast consumed more peptides than free amino acids during second fermentation. From the application of the two-way analysis of variance, yeast strain, and aging time factors to the data of volatile compounds, it has been found that most of the differences between these sparkling wines are due to the aging time. It has been verified that these rose sparkling wines have foam of good quality and that the grape variety Garnacha Tinta is suitable for the production of rose sparkling wines.     

Spanish sparkling wines (Cavas) as inhibitors of in vitro human low-density lipoprotein oxidation

Forty-seven dealcoholized sparkling wines (cava) from the Penedès area in Spain were tested for their antioxidant activity in a low-density lipoprotein system. The effect of different quality-related parameters, such as harvest year or grape variety, was investigated. Twenty-two phenolic compounds were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography and identified by comparing their retention time and their ultraviolet spectra with those of pure standards. When tested at the same total phenol concentration, the antioxidant activity of these white sparkling wines was found to be similar to that reported for red wines. This activity was positively correlated with the total phenolic content, trans-caffeic acid, coumaric acid, protocatechuic acid, and quercetin 3-glucuronide. The wines made of the classic cava wine coupage had superior antioxidant activity compared to those of other cultivars.     

Influence of fatty acids on wine foaming

The influence of fatty acids (free and bound as ethyl esters) on wine foaming was studied in different white wines and the corresponding sparkling wines. Moreover, from three of these wines the foam formed by CO(2) injection was separated, and two fractions were then obtained: foam wine (FW) and remainder wine (RW). In these fractions and the sparkling wines produced from them, foam properties and fatty acids were also determined. The free fatty acids C8, C10, and C12 were negatively correlated with foamability (HM), whereas the ethyl esters of hexanoic, octanoic, and decanoic acids were positively related to HM. The value of HM was directly proportional to the ratio of esterified to unesterified fatty acids. This was confirmed by the changes that occur in the esterification ratio during the second fermentation and aging. No influence was observed on either the Bikerman coefficient or the stability time of foam.     

Isolation and characterization of a thermally extracted yeast cell wall fraction potentially useful for improving the foaming properties of sparkling wines

Two different yeast cell wall extracts were obtained using enzymatic digestion and thermal treatment. The effects of the extracts obtained on the foaming properties of a model wine and two sparkling wines were studied. The model wine and sparkling wines, supplemented with the thermal extract, presented better foaming properties than did the samples supplemented with the enzymatic extract. The fractioning (Con A chromatography) and characterization (SDS-PAGE, SEC, GC, and RP-HPLC) of both extracts showed that the fraction responsible for the foaming properties is constituted by mannoproteins with a relative molecular weight between 10 and 30 kDa, presenting an equilibrated composition of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic protein domains. This thermal extract did not modify the protein stability in both the model wine and the sparkling wines. These results demonstrate that the enrichment of a sparkling wine with mannoproteins extracted by mild heat procedures will contribute to improving its foaming properties.     

Synergistic effect of high and low molecular weight molecules in the foamability and foam stability of sparkling wines

The foam of sparkling wines is a key parameter of their quality. However, the compounds that are directly involved in foam formation and stabilization are not yet completely established. In this work, seven sparkling wines were produced in Bairrada appellation (Portugal) under different conditions and their foaming properties evaluated using a Mosalux-based device. Fractionation of the sparkling wines into four independent fractions, (1) high molecular weight material, with molecular weight higher than 12 kDa (HMW), (2) hydrophilic material with molecular weigh between 1 and 12 kDa (AqIMW), (3) hydrophobic material with molecular weigh between 1 and 12 kDa (MeIMW), and (4) hydrophobic material with a molecular weight lower than 1 kDa (MeLMW), allowed the observation that the wines presenting the lower foam stability were those that presented lower amounts of the MeLMW fraction. The fraction that presented the best foam stability was HMW. When HMW is combined with MeLMW fraction, the foam stability largely increased. This increase was even larger, approaching the foam stability of the sparkling wine, when HMW was combined with the less hydrophobic subfraction of MeLMW (fraction 3). Electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) of fraction 3 allowed the assignment of polyethylene glycol oligomers (n = 5-11) and diethylene glycol 8-hydroxytridecanoate glyceryl acetate. To observe if these molecules occur in sparkling wine foam, the MeLMW was recovered directly from the sparkling wine foam and was also analyzed by ESI-MS/MS. The presence of monoacylglycerols of palmitic and stearic acids, as well as four glycerylethylene glycol fatty acid derivatives, was observed. These surface active compounds are preferentially partitioned by the sparkling wine foam rather than the liquid phase, allowing the inference of their role as key components in the promotion and stabilization of sparkling wine foam.     

Influence of yield and maturation index on polysaccharides and other compounds of grape juice

Wine producers may attempt to increase vine productivity, which usually decreases the quality. The quality of Cava (Spanish sparkling wine; Certified Brand of Origin in Spain) mainly depends on the composition of its colloids, which also determine foam quality. The yield (kg of grape/ha) and maturation index (ratio between soluble solids and titratable acidity) are two external factors that may alter grape characteristics, especially its composition. Twenty white grapes of the same variety (Parellada), but different yields (between 6000 and 17,000 kg/ha) were studied. By PCA, two grape groups were separated according to yield (<10,500 and >10,500 kg/ha). Yield and maturation index were not significantly correlated. Grapes obtained with yield >10,500 kg/ha had significantly higher content of soluble proteins and lower content of total polysaccharides and some polysaccharides fractions (M(r) 62,000-48,000, M(r) 28,000-24,000, and M(r) 7000-5000) than the grapes of the low-yield group (<10 500 kg/ha). Thus, it may be interesting to monitor yield, below 10 500 kg/ha, in vines used to produce Cava.     

Stable carbon isotopic composition of the wine and CO2 bubbles of sparkling wines: detecting C4 sugar additions

Sparkling wines have become a popular beverage in recent years, and the production of these wines is subject to adulteration during fermentation. This study investigated the stable carbon isotopic composition (expressed as delta(13)C) of the wine and of the CO(2) bubbles produced during the second fermentation for a number of sparkling wines produced in different countries around the world. Carbon isotope ratio analyses were used to estimate the addition of sugar obtained from C(4) plants (sugar cane or corn). The average delta(13)C values of the Brazilian brut, demi-sec, and doux sparkling wines were -20.5 +/- 1.2 per thousand (n = 18), -18.1 +/- 1.3 per thousand (n = 9), and -15.8 per thousand (n = 1), respectively. These values were statistically heavier (more positive carbon isotope ratio values) than the average delta(13)C of sparkling wines produced in other parts of South America (Argentina and Chile, -26.1 +/- 1.6 per thousand, n = 5) and Europe (France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, and Spain, -25.5 +/- 1.2 per thousand, n = 12), but not statistically different from sparkling wines produced in the United States or Australia. The most likely explanation for differences in the carbon isotope ratios of wines from these different regions is the addition of C(4) sugar during the production of some sparkling wines from Australia, Brazil, and the United States. The isotopic composition of the CO(2) bubbles (delta(13)C-CO(2)) followed similar trends. The average delta(13)C-CO(2) of most of the Brazilian and Argentine sparkling wines was -10.8 +/- 1.2 per thousand (n = 23), indicating that the likely source of carbon for the second fermentation was sugar cane. Conversely, the average delta(13)C-CO(2) of most of the sparkling wines produced in Chile and Europe was -22.0 +/- 1.2 per thousand (n = 13), suggesting that a different sugar (most likely sugar beet) was most used in the second fermentation. It was concluded that in many cases, the carbon isotope ratios of sparkling wine and CO(2) bubbles can provide valuable information about the sugar sources.     

Study of low molecular weight phenolic compounds during the aging of sparkling wines manufactured with red and white grape varieties

Thirty-two phenolic compounds of low molecular weight were identified in 36 white, blanc de noir, and rosé sparkling wines by using HPLC with photodiode array and mass spectrometry detection. Some of the identified compounds, such as cis- and trans-ethylcaftaric, cis- and trans-ethylcaffeic, and cis- or trans-ethyl-p-coumaric acids, 2R,3R-dihydroquercetin, 2R,3R-dihydrokaempferol 3-O-beta-d-glucoside, and a lignan derivative are described for the first time in sparkling wines manufactured with grapes of red varieties. This is also the first time that cis- or trans-diethylfertaric acids have been identified in wines. When cluster analysis was applied to the data of 19 of the 32 identified compounds, the greatest differences found in the low molecular weight phenolic compounds in sparkling wines were due to the grape variety from which they were manufactured, whereas aging time did not significantly influence phenolic composition. Nine phenolic compounds, that is, trans-p-coumaric and trans-caftaric acids, trans-resveratrol glucoside, cis-coutaric, trans-coutaric, cis-p-coumaric, and cis-caftaric acids, tryptophol, and syringic acid, permit the wines to be classified correctly in accordance with the grape variety from which they were manufactured.     

Quantitation of ochratoxin A in South African wines

The natural occurrence of the carcinogenic mycotoxin ochratoxin A (OTA) in wines sold in local retail outlets in South Africa and Italy was investigated by HPLC analysis with fluorescence detection following cleanup by immunoaffinity column. All 24 local South African wines tested (15 white and 9 red) were found to contain detectable levels (>0.01 microg/L) of OTA, with a mean of 0.16 microg/L in the white wines and a mean of 0.24 microg/L in the red wines. Results were subsequently confirmed by LC-MS analysis using positive ion electrospray ionization with collision-induced dissociation of the protonated molecular ion [M + H](+) at m/z 404 and selected reaction monitoring of the resultant product ions [M + H - H(2)O - CO](+) at m/z 358 and [M + H - H(2)O](+) at m/z 386. Comparison with the fluorescence method gave a significant correlation (r = 0.87; p < 0.01). Although OTA contamination was present in all of the South African samples analyzed, levels were well below the suggested European Union limit of 0.5 microg/kg. The highest level found in a locally purchased wine was 0.39 microg/L in a blend of local and imported Spanish red wine. Of the eight Italian wines analyzed, only two red wines were contaminated above the suggested maximum level.     

Antioxidant capacities and phenolics levels of French wines from different varieties and vintages.

Phenolics from grapes and wines can play a role against oxidation and development of atherosclerosis. Levels of phenolics, major catechins [(+)-catechin, (-)-epicatechin, procyanidin dimers B1, B2, B3, and B4], phenolic acids (gallic acid and caffeic acid), caftaric acid, malvidin-3-glucoside, peonidin-3-glucoside, and cyanidin-3-glucoside were quantified by HPLC with UV detection for 54 French varietal commercial wines taken from southern France to study the antioxidant capacity and the daily dietary intake of these compounds for the French population. The highest antioxidant capacity was obtained with red wines and ranged from 12.8 mmol/L (Grenache) to 25.2 mmol/L (Pinot Noir). For white wines, Chardonnay enriched in phenolics by special wine-making was found to have an antioxidant capacity of 13.8 mmol/L, comparable to red wine values. For red wines classified by vintages (1996-1999) antioxidant capacities were approximately 20 mmol/L and then decreased to 13.4 mmol/L for vintages 1995-1991. Sweet white wines have 1.7 times more antioxidant capacity (3.2 mmol/L) than dry white wines (1.91 mmol/L). On the basis of a still significant French wine consumption of 180 mL/day/person, the current daily intake of catechins (monomers and dimers B1, B2, B3, and B4) averaged 5 (dry white wine), 4.36 (sweet white wines), 7.70 (rosé wines), 31.98 (red wines), and 66.94 (dry white wine enriched in phenolic) mg/day/resident for the French population. Red wine, and particularly Pinot Noir, Egiodola, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot varieties, or Chardonnay enriched in phenolics during wine-making for white varieties contribute to a very significant catechin dietary intake.     

The chemical characterization of the aroma of dessert and sparkling white wines (Pedro Ximénez, Fino, Sauternes, and Cava) by gas chromatography-olfactometry and chemical quantitative analysis

Wines from Pedro Ximénez (PX), Fino, botrytized Sauternes, and Cava were screened by gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O), and the most relevant aroma compounds were further quantified in six different wines of each group. The comparison of GC-O and quantitative data with similar data from white young wines has made it possible to identify the aroma compounds potentially responsible for the specific sensory characteristics of these wines. Results have shown that all these wines are relatively rich in 3-methylbutanal, phenylacetaldehyde, methional, sotolon, and the ethyl esters of 2-, 3-, and 4-methylpentanoic acids. While Cava has a less specific aroma profile halfway between these special wines and young white wines, PX is richest in 3-methylbutanal, furfural, beta-damascenone, ethyl cyclohexanoate, and sotolon; Fino in acetaldehyde, diacetyl, ethyl esters of branched aliphatic acids with four, five, or six carbon atoms, and 4-ethylguaiacol; and Sauternes in phenylacetaldehyde, 3-mercaptohexanol, and 4-methyl-4-mercaptopentanone.     

Occurrence of pyranoanthocyanins in sparkling wines manufactured with red grape varieties

The anthocyanin pigments in rosé (Vitis vinifera cv. Garnacha) and blanc de noir (V. vinifera cv. Monastrell) base and sparkling wines were studied by LC-DAD/ESI-MS. Anthocyanins of grape origin and pyranoanthocyanins resulting from C-4/C-5 cycloaddition of the former ones with pyruvic acid, acetaldehyde, 4-vinylphenol, 4-vinylguaiacol, and 4-vinylcatechol were identified in the different wines. Rosé wines presented a higher total pigment content than blanc de noir wines. Pyranoanthocyanins represented 68.9-76.0% of total pigment content in rosé wines and 49.4-60.7% in blanc de noir wines. Malvidin 3-glucoside-pyruvate was the most abundant pigment in both rosé and blanc de noir base wines. Important qualitative and quantitative changes were observed in terms of the anthocyanin and pyranoanthocyanin pigments after the second (bottle) fermentation and 9 months of aging on yeast lees, but not after a further time (3-9 additional months) of aging on lees. Evaluation of the wine color characteristics was consistent with a greater color stability for the rosé sparkling wines that could be associated with the high content, structural diversity, and spectroscopic features of the pyranoanthocyanins present in these wines.     

Effect of accelerated autolysis of yeast on the composition and foaming properties of sparkling wines elaborated by a champenoise method

Five mutants (obtained by UV mutagenesis) and the parent strain were selected to produce sparkling wines following the traditional or champenoise method. The wines were aged with the yeast for 9 months, with samples being taken each month for analytical and sensory determinations. The wines elaborated with mutant strain IFI473I demonstrated an accelerated release of protein, amino acids, and polysaccharides. An analysis of the secreted polysaccharides revealed that mannose was the major sugar present. The effects of the products released by yeasts on the foaming properties of the wines were determined by both sensory and instrumental analysis. In all cases, the wines elaborated with mutant strain IFI473I showed improved foaming properties as compared to wines fermented without this strain. Similar results were obtained at a decreased aging time of 6 months, thereby confirming the capacity of IFI473I strain to carry out an accelerated autolysis. These results demonstrate that mutant strain IFI473I can significantly reduce production times of high-quality sparkling wines.     

A novel method for quantification of 2-methyl-3-furanthiol and 2-furanmethanethiol in wines made from Vitis vinifera grape varieties

A rapid, easy method has been developed for isolating and quantifying 2-methyl-3-furanthiol (2M3F) in wines. Until now, it was not possible to quantify this highly odoriferous compound, with a smell reminiscent of cooked meat, in wine. The original aspect of this method is the specific release of volatile thiols using a cysteamine solution applied in reverse flow to sample percolation on the basis of a p-hydroxymercuribenzoate (pHMB)-volatile thiol conjugate formed by the direct addition of pHMB to 50 mL of wine. Purification of volatile thiols in wines is much faster and easier than our previous method. This method may also be used to assay 2-furanmethanethiol in wine. This thiol's strong aroma of roasted coffee has been shown to contribute to the "roast coffee" aroma of certain wines. Assaying 2M3F by this method showed that it was present in the wines analyzed (red and white Bordeaux, Loire Valley Sauvignon blanc, white Burgundy, and Champagne) at concentrations up to 100 ng/L, i.e., significantly above the olfactory perception threshold for this compound in model dilute alcohol solution.     

Study of the formation mechanisms of some volatile compounds during the aging of sweet fortified wines.

Sweet fortified wines, traditionally aged under strong oxidation conditions, have a characteristic aroma. An experimental laboratory study investigated the aging of red and white sweet fortified wines under various conditions. The formation of various molecules, previously identified as characteristic of the aroma of this type of wine, was monitored by analysis. The development of these compounds during accelerated aging was affected by oxidation and the color of the wine. Among the molecules studied, sotolon [3-hydroxy-4, 5-dimethyl-2(5H)-furanone] was one of the few molecules present in concentrations above the perception threshold, in both red and white wines. Buildup was strongly affected by the presence of oxygen in white wine subjected to accelerated aging. (Ethoxymethyl)furfural, formed from 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural, and furfural, derived from sugars, are also involved in the aroma of sweet fortified white wines aged in oxygen-free conditions. The substances most characteristic of accelerated aging of sweet fortified red wines were 5-(hydroxymethyl)furfural, acetylformoin, and hydroxymaltol, the formation of which is affected by oxidation, and dihydromaltol, formed in the absence of oxidation.     

An assessment of the role played by some oxidation-related aldehydes in wine aroma

The levels of important oxidation-related aldehydes, such as methional, phenylacetaldehyde, (E)-2-hexenal, (E)-2-heptenal, (E)-2-octenal, (E)-2-nonenal, methylpropanal, 2-methylbutanal, and 3-methylbutanal, were determined in 41 different wines belonging to different types (young whites and reds, natural sparkling wines, oxidized young whites and reds, Sherry, aged red wines, Port wines). Except (E)-2-hexenal and (E)-2-heptenal, all of them could be found at levels above threshold. Different compositional patterns were identified: Sherry wines have large amounts of branched aldehydes but not of (E)-2-alkenals, wines exposed to oxygen can have large amounts of (E)-2-alkenals but not of branched aldehydes, while aged wine and Port have relatively large amounts of both classes of compounds. Different sensory tests confirmed the active sensory role of these compounds and revealed the existence of interactions (additive or synergic) between them and with other wine volatiles. (E)-2-Alkenals are related to flavor deterioration, while branched aldehydes enhance dried fruit notes and mask the negative role of (E)-2-alkenals.     

Quantitative analysis, occurrence, and stability of (E)-1-(2,3,6-Trimethylphenyl)buta-1,3-diene in wine

A stable isotope dilution assay has been developed for quantification of (E)-1-(2,3,6-trimethylphenyl)buta-1,3-diene (4) in wine using a [(2)H(6)]-analogue. Using this method, 4 was found in 96 out of 97 white wines, but in none of 12 red wines analyzed. 4 was found to be most prevalent in Semillon wines, followed by Chardonnay, with Riesling showing the least amount of 4 among these three varieties. 4, like 1,1,6-trimethyldihydronaphthalene (TDN, 3), appears to be formed during the aging process. 4 was found to be unstable in model wine, and in both white and red wine, with the order of stability being model > white > red. In a PVPP-stripped red wine, the rate of degradation of 4 was substantially lessened, with the final concentrations very close to those observed in model wine. When treated with either grape or wine tannin extracts in model wine, the concentration of 4 was found to decrease to levels very close to those observed with an untreated red wine. When white wine was heated at 45 degrees C, 4 was formed, indicating the presence of precursor forms. The amounts formed were much higher than those found in a commercial white wine. 4 was also observed in red wine heated to 45 degrees C, but the concentration produced was much less than that with white wine.