Associations between the sensory attributes and volatile composition of Cabernet Sauvignon wines and the volatile composition of the grapes used for their production

The sensory properties of wine are influenced by the chemical composition of the grapes used to produce them. Identification of grape and wine chemical markers associated with the attributes perceived by the consumer of the wine will enable better prediction of the potential of a parcel of grapes to produce wine of a certain flavor. This study explores the relationships between Cabernet Sauvignon grape volatile composition and wine volatile profiles with the sensory properties of wines. Twenty grape samples were obtained from nine vineyard sites across three vintages and wines vinified from these parcels using controlled winemaking methods. The volatile composition of the grapes were analyzed by SBSE-GCMS, the wines were analyzed by SPME-GCMS, and these data sets were compared to that obtained from the sensory analysis of the wines. Statistical treatment of the data to account for vintage and region effects allowed underlying relationships to be seen between wine sensory attributes and wine or grape volatile components. The observed associations between grape or wine volatile compounds and wine sensory attributes has revealed target compounds and pathways whose levels may reflect the biochemical effects on grape composition by differing growth conditions during berry development and ripening. The compounds identified in this study may be useful grape or wine markers for potential wine sensory characteristics.     

From wine to pepper: rotundone, an obscure sesquiterpene, is a potent spicy aroma compound

An obscure sesquiterpene, rotundone, has been identified as a hitherto unrecognized important aroma impact compound with a strong spicy, peppercorn aroma. Excellent correlations were observed between the concentration of rotundone and the mean 'black pepper' aroma intensity rated by sensory panels for both grape and wine samples, indicating that rotundone is a major contributor to peppery characters in Shiraz grapes and wine (and to a lesser extent in wine of other varieties). Approximately 80% of a sensory panel were very sensitive to the aroma of rotundone (aroma detection threshold levels of 16 ng/L in red wine and 8 ng/L in water). Above these concentrations, these panelists described the spiked samples as more 'peppery' and 'spicy'. However, approximately 20% of panelists could not detect this compound at the highest concentration tested (4000 ng/L), even in water. Thus, the sensory experiences of two consumers enjoying the same glass of Shiraz wine might be very different. Rotundone was found in much higher amounts in other common herbs and spices, especially black and white peppercorns, where it was present at approximately 10000 times the level found in very 'peppery' wine. Rotundone is the first compound found in black or white peppercorns that has a distinctive peppery aroma. Rotundone has an odor activity value in pepper on the order of 50000-250000 and is, on this criterion, by far the most powerful aroma compound yet found in that most important spice.     

Vineyard and fermentation studies to elucidate the origin of 1,8-cineole in Australian red wine

Preliminary investigations revealed that the proximity of Eucalyptus trees to grapevines can directly influence the concentration of the aroma compound 1,8-cineole present in the corresponding red wines. For two different vineyards, the closer the grapevines were to the trees, the greater was the amount of 1,8-cineole in the wines elaborated from those grapes. This led us to carry out further studies to quantify the levels of 1,8-cineole found in grape berries, leaves, and stems at set distances from Eucalyptus trees over multiple vintages. Generally, the highest concentration of 1,8-cineole was found in the grapevine leaves, followed by grape stems and then grapes. In each sample type, we observed greater concentrations of 1,8-cineole in samples closer to the trees. Various fermentation treatments carried out with Shiraz grapes showed that matter other than grapes (MOG, e.g., Eucalyptus or grape leaves) could contribute significant amounts of 1,8-cineole to the finished wines. These studies confirmed that vineyard position and winemaking conditions can determine the 1,8-cineole concentration in red wine. The fermentation study also showed for the first time that the concentration of rotundone in red wine can be strongly influenced by grapevine leaves and stems in the ferment.     

Study of amine composition of botrytized grape berries

Aliphatic primary and biogenic amines of grape varieties from two vintages were studied. We established that appearance and/or increase of both primary aliphatic and biogenic amines is due to microbiota living in/on grape berries. Aszú, gray rotten grapes infected mainly with Botrytis cinerea, grape berries infected mainly with Penicillium species, and intact grape berries were compared on the basis of amine composition using t-test, analysis of variance, and multivariate statistical analysis (principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis). The amine composition and amine content of Aszú grapes were significantly different (p < 0.05) from those of intact grapes despite the effect of the vineyards and the vintages. Grape samples coming from the same growing location, intact, Aszú grapes, and grape berries infected mainly with Penicillium species could be separated from each other with multivariate statistical analysis. We distinguished intact, Aszú (noble rotten), and gray rotten berries from each other as well. Evaluating amine values of grape samples independently of the place of origin, the Aszú and green rotten berries could not be differentiated. The varieties and vineyards have affected the amine composition of Aszú grapes, while these effects on intact grapes appeared only slightly.     

Relationship of changes in rotundone content during grape ripening and winemaking to manipulation of the 'peppery' character of wine

Biosynthesis of the sesquiterpene rotundone in Vespolina grapes during berry ripening was investigated over two consecutive seasons, revealing that the compound accumulates from veraison to harvest and reaches relatively high concentrations (up to 5.44 μg/kg). Rotundone levels up to 1.91 μg/kg were also found in clones of Gruener Veltliner, a white grape variety known to give 'peppery' wines. These concentrations are higher than those reported for Syrah grapes and are similar to the levels found in some plants. Rotundone was shown to accumulate almost exclusively in berry exocarp, suggesting that skin contact during winemaking could be used to modulate the peppery character of red wine. However, rotundone yield after the winemaking process was relatively low. Indeed, only 10% of the rotundone present in grapes was extracted during fermentation, and only 6% was recovered in bottled wine. The results presented in this work provide key knowledge for manipulation of the peppery character of wine in order to optimize the intensity of this characteristic wine aroma.     

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.     

Prediction of wine color attributes from the phenolic profiles of red grapes (Vitis vinifera)

Knowledge about the relation between grape and wine phenolics is of key interest for the wine industry with respect to being able to predict wine quality from analyses of grapes. Prediction of the phenolic composition and color of experimentally produced red wines from the detailed phenolic composition of the corresponding grapes was investigated using a multivariate approach. Grape extracts and wines were produced from 55 different grape samples, covering 8 different Vitis vinifera cultivars: Alicante, Merlot, Syrah, Cinsault, Grenache, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Mourvedre. The phenolic composition of the grapes and wines showed that the average ratios between wine and grape phenolics ranged from 0.25 to 7.9 for the different phenolic compounds. Most interestingly, the average ratios were low for anthocyanins (0.31) and tannins (0.32), intermediate for (+)-catechin (0.75) and polymeric pigments (0.98), and high for gallic acid (7.9). Individual wine phenolics in general correlated well with several grape phenolics, indicating that a multivariate approach might be advantageous for prediction of wine phenolics from grape phenolics analysis. However the use of multivariate prediction of individual wine phenolics from the complete grape phenolic composition only improved the prediction of wine polymeric pigments, whereas wine anthocyanins were predicted with the same precision as from the direct relation with grape anthocyanins. Prediction of color attributes of pH normalized experimental wines from the phenolic profiles of grapes was accomplished using a multivariate approach. The correlation between predicted and measured total wine color was high ( r = 0.958) but was very similar to the correlation coefficient obtained for the direct relation between grape anthocyanins and total wine color ( r = 0.961). Color due to copigmentation, color due to anthocyanins, and color intensity were also predicted well.     

Soil affected the variations in grape and wine properties along the eastern foot of Helan Mountain,China

Four vineyards from the eastern foot of Helan Mountain within the same climate classification, where the planted grapes were 4-year-old Cabernet Sauvignon, were selected for investigating the difference in grape and wine properties. Results showed that the grapes of Lilan vineyard had a higher sugar content and sugar–acid ratio than Huida, Yuquan and Zhihuiyuanshi vineyards. The grapes of Zhihuiyuanshi vineyard had the highest tannin and total phenols content. Concerning the wines, the wine of Yuquan vineyard had low pH but had a great ageing potential, and wine of Zhihuiyuanshi vineyard had highest tone, chroma, tannins, total phenols and alcohol content than other vineyards. Soil pH was positively correlated with anthocyanins in the grapes and negatively correlated with total acid in wine. The microbial biomass carbon (MBC) was correlated with the anthocyanins in grape. Microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) was positively correlated with soluble solid in grapes, and positively correlated with tannin and total phenols in the wine. The MBC/MBN ratio was negatively correlated with tone in the wine. Our findings indicate that adjusting soil pH and choosing microbial fertiliser with high soil microbial carbon and nitrogen nutrients are effective ways to improve the quality of regional grapes and wine.     

A survey of seasonal temperatures and vineyard altitude influences on 2-methoxy-3-isobutylpyrazine, C13-norisoprenoids, and the sensory profile of Brazilian Cabernet Sauvignon wines

This report has investigated the seasonal temperatures influences (winter and summer) of five vineyards at different altitudes on the concentrations of 2-methoxy-3-isobutylpyrazine (MIBP), alpha- and beta-ionone, and beta-damascenone in 2004 or 2005 vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon wines from Santa Catarina State, Brazil. Sensorial analyses were also carried out on the wine samples and compared to altitude and climate. Significant regression was observed between MIBP concentrations and the vineyard's altitude. No significant relation was observed between alpha- and beta-ionone and beta-damascenone with the vineyard's altitude. Principal component analysis positively correlated wines from higher altitudes with a "bell pepper" aroma. Conversely, the wines made with grapes from lower altitudes were correlated with "red fruits" and "jam" aromas. An important relation between the bell pepper aroma and the lower winter temperature was observed. A strong negative correlation was also observed between seasonal temperatures and vineyard altitude as well as between MIBP content and seasonal temperature of growing grapevines.     

优选非酿酒酵母胞外酶增香酿造干白葡萄酒效果

为了研究非酿酒酵母胞外酶促进葡萄酒发酵产香的效果,该文在爱格丽葡萄汁酒精发酵12 h后,分别添加优选胶红酵母(Rhodotorula mucilaginosa,RM)胞外酶液,优选发酵毕赤酵母(Pichia fermentans,PF)胞外酶液和商业糖苷酶制剂(almondβ-glucosidase,AG)(10 mU/mL),以不添加酶制剂的酿酒酵母纯发酵为对照,发酵过程中每24 h取样,采用HS-SPME-GC/MS(headspace solid-phase microextraction-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry)监测挥发性成分的生成变化。葡萄酒含糖量低于2 g/L时终止发酵,低温满罐密封储存,次年4月,进行葡萄酒香气仪器和感官量化分析。胞外酶液共测得6种风味酶活性,其中RM酶液中的β-D-葡萄糖苷酶、α-L-鼠李糖苷酶、β-D-木糖苷酶活性均显著(P<0.05)高于PF中的,而α-L-阿拉伯糖苷酶和酯酶在PF酶液中活性更高(P<0.05)。发酵过程中,胞外酶处理显著促进了(P<0.05)品种香气和发酵香气物质的生成,其中RM酶液显著提高了萜烯类物质和苯乙基类化合物含量,其作用效果分别比商业酶处理高41.7%和31.8%,PF酶液显著促进了发酵香气化合物的生成,尤其是脂肪酸乙酯含量约为对照的2倍。酒样感官分析结果显示,两株酵母的胞外酶处理表现出各自增香酿造的优势,其中RM酶液促进温带酸果类香气的效果突出,PF酶液显著提升了柑橘类香气。研究结果为酵母风味酶应用于葡萄酒的增香酿造提供了理论和实践指导。     

Comparison of odor-active compounds in grapes and wines from vitis vinifera and non-foxy American grape species

Native American grape (Vitis) species have many desirable properties for winegrape breeding, but hybrids of these non-vinifera wild grapes with Vitis vinifera often have undesirable aromas. Other than the foxy-smelling compounds in Vitis labrusca and Vitis rotundifolia , the aromas inherent to American Vitis species are not well characterized. In this paper, the key odorants in wine produced from the American grape species Vitis riparia and Vitis cinerea were characterized in comparison to wine produced from European winegrapes (V. vinifera). Volatile compounds were extracted by solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and identified by gas chromatography-olfactometry/mass spectrometry (GC-O/MS). On the basis of flavor dilution values, most grape-derived compounds with fruity and floral aromas were at similar potency, but non-vinifera wines had higher concentrations of odorants with vegetative and earthy aromas: eugenol, cis-3-hexenol, 1,8-cineole, 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine (IBMP), and 3-isopropyl-2-methoxypyrazine (IPMP). Elevated concentrations of these compounds in non-vinifera wines were confirmed by quantitative GC-MS. Concentrations of IBMP and IPMP were well above sensory threshold in both non-vinifera wines. In a follow-up study, IBMP and IPMP were surveyed in 31 accessions of V. riparia, V. rupestris, and V. cinerea. Some accessions had concentrations of >350 pg/g IBMP or >30 pg/g IPMP, well above concentrations reported in previous studies of harvest-ripe vinifera grapes. Methyl anthranilate and 2-aminoacetophenone, key odorants responsible for the foxiness of V. labrusca grapes, were undetectable in both the V. riparia and V. cinerea wines (<10 μg/L).     

Quantification of selected aroma-active compounds in Pinot noir wines from different grape maturities

Effect of grape maturity on aroma-active compounds in Pinot noir wine was investigated using stir bar sorptive extraction-gas chromatograph-mass spectrometry (SBSE-GC-MS). High correlation coefficient (> 0.95) and low standard deviation (< 10%) were obtained for all aroma-active compounds of interest. Two vintages of Pinot noir wines with three different grape maturities each were analyzed. Statistical analysis showed that both grape maturity and growing year significantly affected the aroma composition of the final wine. Analysis of wine samples from the same vintage indicated that grape maturity could affect aroma compounds in different ways, based on their biochemical formation in the wines. For most short-chain fatty acid esters, there were no obvious trends with grape maturity, however, the concentrations of ethyl 2-methylpropanoate and ethyl 3-methylbutanoate consistently decreased with grape maturity. The decreasing trend was also observed for other esters including ethyl cinnamate, ethyl dihydroxycinnamate, and ethyl anthranilate, with the exception of ethyl vanillate, while C13 norisoprenoids, monoterpenes, and guaiacols had increasing trends with grape maturation.     

Lead contamination in Portuguese red wines from the Douro region: from the vineyard to the final product

To quantify lead contamination in wines and to try to identify major lead sources, two winemaking processes were followed during one annual cycle of wine production. Two vineyards from the Douro Portuguese region and two types of wine, one red table wine, which has been produced in a very modern winery, and one red fortified wine (similar to Port), which has been produced by a traditional vinification process, were selected for this study. Aerosols from the vineyards atmosphere, vineyard soil, vine leaves, grapes, and samples from the intermediary and final wine product were collected. Suitable pretreatments, namely, high-pressure microwave assisted digestion (soil, leaves, and grapes) and UV-irradiation (grape juices and samples from the different steps of the vinification processes), were used. The samples were analyzed in terms of lead total concentration and respective isotope ratios by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrophotometry with electrothermal atomization. It was observed that the major sources of lead were in the vinification system, the more traditional one introducing more lead than the modern one. For the fortified wine, the lead concentration increased from 4.7 microg L(-1), in the grape juice, to 17.2 microg L(-1), in the final product, while for the table wine the increase was from 4.1 to 13.1 microg L(-)(1). Therefore, only about 1/4 (fortified wine) and 1/3 (table wine) of the lead total content of the final products came from soil and atmospheric deposition. Therefore, it is expected that marked reductions of the lead content in the wines would occur if the sources of lead were removed from the tubes and containers used in the vinification system, particularly by using welding alloys and small fittings free of lead. The lead levels in the vine leaves (global mean of 0.43 microg g(dry leave)(-1)) and grapes (global mean of 35 ng g(dry grape)(-1)) were similar in both vineyards.     

Influence of vineyard location and vine water status on fruit maturation of nonirrigated cv. Agiorgitiko (Vitis vinifera L.). Effects on wine phenolic and aroma components

The influence of site on grape and wine composition was investigated for Vitis vinifera L. cv. Agiorgitiko in the Nemea appellation area in southern Greece. Three nonirrigated plots were studied during the 1997 and 1998 vintages, which were typically very hot and without summer rainfall. Vines were subjected to different water regimens as a result of the variation of soil water-holding capacity and evaporative demand. Vine water status was determined by means of predawn leaf water potential. Differences in vine water status between sites were highly correlated with the earliness of shoot growth cessation and veraison. Grape composition was monitored during fruit ripening. Water deficit accelerated sugar accumulation and malic acid breakdown in the juice. Early water deficit during the growth period was demonstrated to have beneficial effects on the concentration of anthocyanins and total phenolics in berry skins. A similar pattern was observed for the phenolic content of wines elaborated after vinification of grapes harvested on each plot, in both seasons. Limited water availability seemed to increase glycoconjugates of the main aromatic components of grapes as a quantitative increase in levels of bound volatile compounds of the experimental wines was observed under water deficit in both years. Wines produced from grapes of stressed vineyards were also preferred in tasting trials.     

Analytical and sensorial characterization of the aroma of wines produced with sour rotten grapes using GC-O and GC-MS: identification of key aroma compounds

In the present work, the aroma profiles of wines elaborated from sound and sour rot-infected grapes as raw material have been studied by sensory analysis, gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), with the aim of determining the odor volatiles most likely associated with this disease. The effect of sour rot was tested in monovarietal wines produced with the Portuguese red grape variety Trincadeira and in blends of Cabernet Sauvignon and sour rotten Trincadeira grapes. Wines produced from damaged berries exhibited clear honey-like notes not evoked by healthy samples. Ethyl phenylacetate (EPhA) and phenylacetic acid (PAA), both exhibiting sweet honey-like aromas, emerged as key aroma compounds of sour rotten wines. Their levels were 1 order of magnitude above those found in controls and reached 304 and 1668 μg L(-1) of EPhA and PAA, respectively, well above the corresponding odor thresholds. Levels of γ-nonalactone also increased by a factor 3 in sour rot samples. Results also suggest that sour rot exerts a great effect on the secondary metabolism of yeast, decreasing the levels of volatiles related to fatty acids and amino acid synthesis. The highest levels of γ-decalactone of up to 405 μg L(-1) were also found in all of the samples, suggesting that this could be a relevant aroma compound in Trincadeira wine aroma.     

霞多丽干白葡萄酒品种香和发酵香成分变化的比较研究

本研究对确立宁夏贺兰山东麓原产地葡萄酒质量的感官体系标准,以及对葡萄酒生产工艺优化和质量评价有着重要实用价值。采用溶液萃取法提取霞多丽品种果实与干白发酵香气成分,用气相色谱-质谱进行分离测定,结合计算机检索技术对分离化合物进行鉴定,应用色谱峰面积归一法测定各成分的相对含量。实验结果：果实和干白葡萄酒中分别分离出81和33个峰,鉴定出78和32个香气化学成分,共占其色谱流出组分总量的98.89%和98.97%;成熟果实的挥发性物质,主要是2-呋喃甲醛等脂肪醛、2-呋喃乙酮等脂肪酮和十六碳酸等脂肪羧酸类。经过发酵工艺处理原酒中挥发性物质,主要有3-甲基丁醇、丁二酸二乙酯、辛酸、苯乙醇等。相对含量较高的香气成分种类相似,而微量特征香气成分差异较为显著,从而构成不同产区同一品种葡萄酒相似和独特香气与风格。本结果将对不同原产区优质葡萄酒酿造工艺生产,最大限度的释放游离态芳香物质的能力,提高干白葡萄酒的果香,有重要指导意义。     

Differences in odor-active compounds of trincadeira wines obtained from five different clones

Odorant compounds of five young clonal red wines made from cv. Trincadeira, a native grape variety of Vitis vinifera L. grown in Portugal, were studied using 2001 and 2003 vintages. The study was carried out using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for compound identification and the gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) posterior intensity method to detect the potentially most important aroma compounds. Forty-one odorant peaks were detected by GC-O analysis, from which 31 were identified by GC-MS. The odorant compounds with the highest odorant average intensities are 3-methylbutanoic acid, 2-phenylethanol, 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone, and 4-vinylguaiacol. The GC-O analysis showed odor intensity differences among compounds, which was confirmed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). Principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) showed that the five clonal wines from the 2001 vintage were more similar than those from the 2003 vintage. Moreover, stepwise linear discriminant analysis (SLDA) demonstrated that the factor vintage has influence on the Trincadeira clonal red wine odorant profile differentiation.