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Abstract  A preliminary investigation on 20 Aglianico del Vulture commercial wines from the Basilicata region proved the existence of a significant variability in total antioxidant capacity which can exert a potential impact on wine quality. NineteenSaccharomyces cerevisiaestrains were tested in Aglianico del Vulture on pilot scale fermentation and the experimental wines obtained were evaluated for the antioxidant capacity, ethanol and total polyphenols. At the ninth day of fermentation the experimental wines had an antioxidant capacity, measured by photochemiluminescence, between 2.88 and 6.25 mM of ascorbic acid equivalent, ethanol concentration, measured by GC, between 5.49% and 10.99% and total polyphenols, determined by Folin Ciocalteau reagent, from 1153 to 1867 mg catechins/l. After 12 days the total antioxidant capacity was increased in most wines but decreased in some wines. These results, statistically analysed by principal component analysis, revealed a significant influence ofS. cerevisiaestrain on total antioxidant capacity and total polyphenols content of wine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]