Influence of aging conditions on the quality of red Sangiovese wine

A red Sangiovese wine was stored in barrels of different woods (oak and chestnut) and types (225-L "barriques" and 1000-L barrels) at 12 and 22 degrees C for 320 days to evaluate the effects of different aging conditions on wine quality. Chestnut barrels led to wines richer in phenolics, and which were more tannic, colored, and fruity. Oak barrels gave wines with more monomeric phenolics, but less astringent, with higher vanilla smell, and more harmonious. The type of barrel could be used as a parameter to regulate the extraction of wood components and the polymerization of monomeric phenolics. Storage at 22 degrees C favored the formation of polymerized phenolics and the increase of color density and color hue. The temperature produced less pronounced effects on aroma and taste, even if wines stored at 12 degrees C showed more harmony.     

Volatile compounds and sensorial characterization of wines from four Spanish denominations of origin, aged in Spanish Rebollo (Quercus pyrenaica Willd.) oak wood barrels

The evolution of almost 40 oak-related volatile compounds and the sensorial characteristics of red wines from four Spanish denominations of origin (DOs) (Bierzo, Toro, Ribera de Duero, and Rioja) during aging in barrels made of Rebollo oak wood, Quercus pyrenaica, were studied and compared to the same wines aged in American and French oak barrels. Each oak wood added unique and special characteristics to the wine, and in addition, each wine showed a different ability to extract the compounds, which result in these characteristics from the oak wood. In general, wines aged in Q. pyrenaica wood were characterized by high levels of eugenol, guaiacol, and other volatile phenols. In regards to compounds like cis-whiskylactone or maltol, the behavior of this wood is very similar to that of American oaks. When considering phenolic aldehydes and ketones, the levels of these compounds are intermediate between those of French and American woods and depend greatly on the type of wine. The type of oak, on the other hand, does not affect the chromatic characteristics of the wines. In sensory analysis, the biggest differences are found in the olfactory phase. Among the four DOs studied, wine aged in Q. pyrenaica presented the highest notes of wood, with more aromas of roasting, toasting, milky coffee, spices, or wine-wood interactions. The wines aged in barrels made of Q. pyrenaica wood were highly regarded, and preference was shown for them over those same wines when they had been aged in barrels of American or French oak.     

Influence of oak wood on the aromatic composition and quality of wines with different tannin contents

The aromatic compounds associated with aging in wood have been studied in Monastrell wines containing different quantities of tannin. Analyses were carried out before and after a six month period in wooden barrels (225 L) of American and French (Allier) medium-toasted oak. Three classes of wine were made: one from a free-run must; one to which enological tannin was added; and one to which was added the wine obtained by pressing the grape pomaces. The aromas were determined by GC-MS, and the quality was evaluated by a group of expert tasters. The aromatic compounds, some of which came from the wines themselves and others which came from the wood, all increased in concentration by the end of the aging process. The ratio between cis- and trans-whiskylactone contents in wines reflected the different types of oak wood used. The note "vanilla" used by the tasters is probably not totally due to the presence of vanillin. The wines of best quality were those with a natural tannin content which had been aged in American oak, whereas the wines to which enological tannin had been added but aged in the same wood were considered the worst. An equalizing effect on the sensorial wines qualities was seen to result from the use of French oak. The furfural, eugenol, and cis-, and in some cases trans-, whiskylactone contents identified the wines from the different classes of wood. The wood from which the barrels were made had a greater effect on wines differentiation than the tannin content.     

Volatile compounds in a spanish red wine aged in barrels made of Spanish, French, and American oak wood

A red Rioja wine was aged in barrels made of Spanish oak wood (Quercus robur, Quercus petraea,Quercus pyrenaica, and Quercus faginea) during 21 months. The concentrations of some volatile compounds [syringaldehyde, vanillin, eugenol, maltol, guaiacol, 4-ethylphenol, cis and trans isomers of beta-methyl-gamma-octalactone, 2-furfuraldehyde, 5-methyl-2-furfuraldehyde, 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furfuraldehyde, and furfuryl alcohol] were studied in these wines and compared with those of the same wine aged in barrels made from French oak of Q. robur (Limousin, France) and Q. petraea (Allier, France) and American oak of Quercus alba (Missouri). Similar concentrations of these compounds were found in wines aged in Spanish and French oak wood barrels, and significantly different concentrations were found with respect to wines aged in barrels made of American oak wood, indicating a different behavior. Thus, wines with different characteristics were obtained, depending on the kind of wood. Also, the kind of wood had an important influence on sensory characteristics of wine during the aging process. Spanish oak wood from Q. robur, Q. petraea, and Q. pyrenaica can be considered to be suitable for barrel production for quality wines, because a wine aged in barrels made of these Spanish oak woods showed similar and intermediate characteristics to those of the same wine aged in French and American oak woods usually used in cooperage.     

Influence of micro-oxygenation treatment before oak aging on phenolic compounds composition, astringency, and color of red wine

Micro-oxygenation is usually applied to red wines as a cheaper alternative to oak aging. It has been suggested, however, that micro-oxygenation can also be used to complement oak aging in order to improve the quality of very astringent and herbaceous red wines. In this paper we study how applying the micro-oxygenation technique before oak aging affects the composition and quality of astringent red wines. When this technique is applied prior to oak aging, the wines have a slightly less intense red color and significantly higher levels of combined and free anthocyanins and ethyl-bridged anthocyanin-flavanol pigments. On the other hand, no differences in other newly formed pigments are found. Applying micro-oxygenation before oak aging does not affect the total proanthocyanidin concentration, but it produces wines with a slightly (though significantly) higher mean degree of proanthocyanidin polymerization and a drastically lower astringency. These wines also present a clearer impact of wood aromas.     

Influence of distillation system, oak wood type, and aging time on composition of cider brandy in phenolic and furanic compounds

A control of phenolic and furanic compounds in cider brandy was carried out during maturation in oak casks, studying three technological factors: distillation (rectification column vs double distillation), oak wood type (French vs American), and aging time (32 months). Gallic acid and benzoic and cinnamic aldehydes significantly increased during maturation of cider brandies, the highest level of these phenolics being obtained when aging was conducted in French oak casks. Benzoic acids increased during aging, though furanic compounds were not influenced by the time factor. Distillation and wood factors significantly influenced furanic concentration; 5-hydroxymethylfurfural not was detected in fresh spirits and was extracted in the highest proportion in French oak. Volatile furanics, such as 5-methylfurfural, furfural, and 2-furylmethyl ketone, were influenced by the distillation factor, with the use of the double distillation system producing a higher level of these compounds. Scopoletin was the majority coumarin detected in cider brandies, the highest yield of which was obtained with the use of American oak.     

Influence of storage conditions on the formation of some volatile compounds in white fortified wines (Vins doux naturels) during the aging process

Sweet fortified wines, traditionally aged under strong oxidation conditions, have a characteristic aroma. An experimental study investigated the aging of white sweet fortified wines under various conditions. The development 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. Aging in oak containers, variable storage temperatures, and variable modes of oxidation affect the formation of many of the volatile compounds responsible for the aging aroma of vins doux naturels (fortified wines). Furfural (1), 5-ethoxymethylfurfural (2), and sotolon (3) always reach concentrations above their perception thresholds in wood-aged wines, especially when new oak is used. The isomers of methyl-gamma-octalactone (4 and 5) are reliable indicators of aging in oak. Among the many identifiable volatile phenols, only the vanillin (7) content increases with aging, particularly if the container is made of wood and there is a high degree of oxidation. This molecule frequently reaches and even exceeds its perception threshold. We show here that vanillin and isomers of methyl-gamma-octalactone have a major impact on the aromas of fortified wines.     

Solute effects on the interaction between water and ethanol in aged whiskey

The hydrogen-bonding structure of water-ethanol in whiskey was examined on the basis of (1)H NMR chemical shifts of the OH of water and ethanol. Phenolic acids and aldehydes (gallic, vanillic, and syringic acids; vanillin and syringaldehyde) exhibited their structure-making effects regardless of the presence or absence of 0.1 or 0.2 mol dm(-3) acetic acid. The OH-proton chemical shifts were measured for 32 malt whiskey samples of a distillery, aged for 0-23 years in five different types of casks. The OH-proton chemical shift values of the whiskies shifted toward the lower field in proportion to their contents of total phenols. It can be concluded that the strength of the hydrogen bonding in aged whiskies is directly predominated by acidic and phenolic components gained in oak wood casks and not dependent on just the aging time.     

Monitoring toasting intensity of barrels by chromatographic analysis of volatile compounds from toasted oak wood.

Toasting changes both the quantity and the quality of the extractable substances in the oak wood of barrels used for the aging of fine wines and spirits. Mastery and repeatability of toasting are vital in the production of quality barrels to be used for the aging of wines and spirits. In this study, we show that it is possible for a given cooperage to differentiate barrel toasting levels by analyzing a certain number of volatile and semivolatile compounds resulting from the thermal degradation of oak. Toasted wood components, which can be extracted by the wines or spirits during the aging process, are normally analyzed after the wood has soaked in standard alcoholic solutions and can be used to control the intensity of the wood toasting. The results of the comparative analysis presented in this work show that headspace analysis with a microextractive method using a stationary polydimethylsiloxane type phase is a promising technique for analyzing toasted oak wood from barrels. It is easier to use than the traditional maceration and extraction method and provides similar information.     

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry fingerprinting of Brazilian artisan cachaça aged in different wood casks

We have investigated the capability of direct infusion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in the negative ion mode, ESI(-)-MS, to differentiate representative samples of artisan cacha?a, a Brazilian sugar cane distillate of large production, aged in four different types of wood casks: amburana (Amburana cearensis), jequitibA (Cariniana estrellensis), balm (Myroxylon peruiferum), and oak (Quercus rubra). The ESI(-)-MS were found to be very characteristic, showing sets of diagnostic ions for each of the four types of samples: amburana (m/z 271, 313, 377), jequitibA (m/z 143, 171, 255), balm (m/z 137, 269, 283, 297), and oak (m/z 197, 301, 307). Furthermore, principal component (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), applied to the ESI(-)-MS data, divided these samples into four definite categories. The influence of the aging time on the ESI(-)-MS fingerprints of the cacha?a samples stored in oak casks was also established. An inversion in the relative intensity of the diagnostic ions of m/z 307 and 301 is detected in the ESI(-)-MS as the aging time increased from 1 to 2 years. The chemical structures of the major cacha?a components were proposed on the basis of the following: (a) the comparison of the ESI(-)-MS/MS of the diagnostic anions with those of the authentic anions or (b) the interpretation of the fragmentation patterns of the previously unknown diagnostic anions. Hence, direct infusion ESI(-)-MS allows not only a rapid, simple, and accurate way to distinguish among cacha?a samples stored in different wood casks but also monitoring changes in their chemical composition according to the aging time.     

Optimizing the process of making sweet wines to minimize the content of ochratoxin A

During the drying process of raisins, the grapes are subjected to climatic variations that can result in heavy infections of some fungal species that produce ochratoxin A (OTA), a powerful toxic metabolite, whose maximum permitted content is set by the European Union at 2.0 μg/L for grapes, wine and other drinks derived from the grape. The aim of this paper is to optimize the process of making sweet wines in order to minimize the content of ochratoxin A. The results reflect a reduction of the OTA content in grapes dried under controlled conditions in a climatic chamber up to 24% compared to those sunned in the traditional way. A decrease of the concentrations of OTA is also observed during the processes of vinification. Those wines with prefermentative maceration reached a higher OTA content than the wines without maceration, but unexpectedly were not those preferred from a sensorial point of view. In addition, the process of aging in oak casks has been shown to serve as a natural method for reducing the OTA content of these wines.     

Sugar contents of Brandy de Jerez during its aging

Brandy de Jerez is aged in American oak casks according to the traditional dynamic system (Soleras y Criaderas) and sometimes additionally by the static system (Anadas). The experimental arrangement used here for the analytical monitoring of brandy aging consisted of 15 casks, 12 of which were set up for aging by the dynamic system, which is well established in the denomination of origin area, whereas the other 3 contained the same brandy but aged according to the static system. This paper studies the kinetics of sugar extraction from oak wood to distillate, as well as the possible correlations between the sugar contents in brandy and its age or the commercial type it belongs to (Solera, Solera Reserva, or Solera Gran Reserva). High-performance anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection was used as the analytical tool to measure the concentrations of glucose, fructose, arabinose, galactose, and xylose, the presence of which in brandy has previously been described.     

Evolution of flavanols, anthocyanins, and their derivatives during the aging of red wines elaborated from grapes harvested at different stages of ripening

Several red wines were elaborated to assess the effect of the degree of grape ripening on wine color and on the levels of flavanol and anthocyanin compounds, which are chiefly responsible for the wine color attributes. Two different cultivars and three different degrees of ripening were studied in two consecutive years. The wines were aged for 1 year in American oak barrels of medium-high char followed by 6 months in the bottle. The results showed that the wines made from more mature grapes had generally higher free anthocyanin content, and during aging the decrease of the free anthocyanins and flavanols took place in conjunction with an increase in the levels of the anthocyanin derivatives or "new pigments", which are responsible for maintaining color intensity and adding violet hues in aged wines. From the results obtained, it seems to be clear that the characteristics and composition of grapes harvested later (7-8 days in this region and for these varieties) than the usual time are quite beneficial to obtaining quality aged wines. The phenolic composition of wines made from the last harvested grapes is mainly responsible for the stability of their color, which is extremely important in product acceptance with a significant increase hence of product quality.     

Using electronic odor sensors to discriminate among oak barrel toasting levels.

Toasting changes both the quantity and the quality of the extractable substances in oak wood of barrels used for the aging of fine wines and spirits. Mastery and repeatability of toasting are vital in the production of quality barrels to be used for aging wines and spirits. Toasted wood components, which can be extracted by the wines or spirits during the aging process, are normally analyzed by maceration in standard alcohol solutions at concentrations adapted to the various products and can be used to control the intensity of the wood toasting. These kinds of analyses are accurate but time-consuming and need specialized laboratories. In this work, the feasibility of monitoring barrel toasting levels using an electronic nose with a metal oxide odor sensor array (MOS) was studied. The results of oak toasting level differentiation obtained via the MOS network were identical to those obtained by analyzing extractable compounds in liquid or gas phase as described in a previous paper. The results presented in this work at the laboratory scale could be used to implement a nondestructive monitoring system based on the analysis of headspace of barrels under industrial conditions.     

Evolution of phenolic compounds during an experimental aging in wood of Sherry vinegar

Changes in the physicochemical composition of wine vinegars produced by submerged culture system and aged in wood were followed. Five Sherry wine vinegars and a model vinegar solution were aged in six new American oak butts of 16.6 L capacity. A total of 24 phenolic compounds were monitored during the maturation study (24 months), along with other physicochemical parameters (total extract, acidity, residual alcohol and total phenolic index). Multivariate statistical analysis was applied to the data. From the sixth month on, significant changes were produced in most of the phenolic compounds, mainly aromatic aldehydes and 5-(hydroxymethyl)-2-furaldehyde. When all the phenolic compounds were considered as variables, cluster analysis grouped samples according to the wine substrate employed in the elaboration of vinegars under study. Within each subcluster, samples are arranged according to their aging status when phenolic compounds accounting significative changes at 180 days of aging are considered. Discriminant functions were constructed from the phenolic compounds data set. The validity of these functions was tested using 13 samples of aged commercial Sherry wine vinegars and 25 unaged vinegars. A total of 97.4% of the test samples was correctly classified within its respective group.     

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.     

Behavior of monosaccharides, phenolic compounds, and color of red wines aged in used oak barrels and in the bottle

A red wine with appropriate basic quality characteristics for aging was stored in oak barrels for 12 months and then bottled and aged for a further 6 months. The same ambient conditions of temperature and humidity were maintained throughout the entire aging process. The barrels used were made from three different species of oak by four different cooperages and had been used for at least two years. Analysis of variance and principal component analysis were run on the values for hexoses, pentoses, total anthocyanins, ortho-diphenols, low- and high-polymer polyphenols, and color parameters to study the behavior of the monosaccharides and polyphenols in response to the factors of aging time, the oak variety employed, and the source cooperage where the barrels had been made. Time trends for all the phenolic components were directly related to aging time, with low-polymeric polyphenols (LPPs) being the most affected by wood type and source cooperage. Wine color was defined by a basic red color which decreased with aging time in the barrel and was altered by yellowish pigment components differing for each of the barrels in which oxidative aging took place and by increased stability of the blue copigments. Principal component analysis showed that samples of the same source wine aged in different barrels tended to be grouped together according to each of the aging intervals considered.     

Butyltin compounds in Portuguese wines

Butyltin compounds are widespread contaminants that have also been found in some wines. The purpose of the present work was to make a survey of butyltin compounds in Portuguese wines. Forty-three table wines and 14 Port wines were analyzed for butyltin contents by using solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS). In 14% of the analyzed wine samples, measurable dibutyltin (DBT) was found at concentrations ranging between 0.05 and 0.15 microg/L as Sn. Monobutyltin (MBT) was also observed (0.05 microg/L as Sn) in just a single wine. A search for the possible sources of DBT residues found in the wines was carried out. Therefore, some plastics and oak wood used in the process of wine-making, which have been directly in contact with the musts or the wines, were studied to check their possible release of butyltins. The eventual presence of DBT was also tested directly along the vinification process, from the must to the finished product. The results suggest that high-density polyethylene containers used in the transfer of wine in an early stage of the vinification process may be the main sources of these contaminants. Therefore, it is recommendable that plastic materials to be used in wineries be previously tested for the release of butyltin compounds.     

Fast screening method for volatile compounds of oak wood used for aging wines by headspace SPME-GC-MS (SIM)

A headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) method is proposed for analyzing the main volatile components from a sensory standpoint (furfural, oak lactones, eugenol, vanillin, and syringaldehyde) present in nontoasted and toasted oak wood of different origins. To maximize the yield of compounds extracted from wood chips and to obtain a good precision of the method, the most important variables affecting HS-SPME have been studied. The best results were obtained when the sample was heated at 70 degrees C and the headspace extracted for 40 min with a DVB/CAR/PDMS fiber, which gave the overall best recovery. The values for the repeatability ranged from 6.4 to 7.8%, and those for the reproducibility from 5.4 to 8.7%. The precision of the results obtained makes the proposed technique appropriate for its use in characterizing oak wood samples of different origins and in the selection of the most suitable oak wood to age wines and spirits, on the basis of the chemical composition of the wood samples.