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The studied red wines, which are Fondillón, reserva, crianza, and young, are prepared from exclusive “Monastrell” grapes, and protected under the Alicante Denomination of Origin (Alicante, Spain). The objectives of the present study were (i) to show the effect of aging period on the amount of anthocyanin pigments, trans-resveratrol, and the colorimetric characteristics (color intensity, color density, and tonality) of Fondillón and other Monastrell wines (young, crianza, and reserva) which have different aging periods, and (ii) to propose a new traceability method for the determination of the Fondillón originality. Identification of anthocyanin compounds and determination of trans-resveratrol content were performed using LC–MS/MS. Correlation analysis was performed among anthocyanin compounds and color parameters. A sharp decrease in the anthocyanins content was observed in Fondillón wine. Besides, statistically significant changes were found in all colorimetric parameters between young and Fondillón samples. A significant change from red hue to brick red/yellow hue was observed between the colors of young and Fondillón wines, respectively. A significant decrease in the content of trans-resveratrol was also observed as a result of the aging period of these “Monastrell” wines. In this study, anthocyanin compounds of Fondillón wine were identified for the first time and their effects on the colorimetric parameters of the wine were revealed. Consequently, the authenticity of Fondillón wines can be determined by monitoring of anthocyanin compounds and trans-resveratrol.

The quality of food, considering increasing consumer demands and competition among producers, is a highly important issue. Quality concerns are also applicable to the odor quality of herbs and spices (HSs). Meanwhile, HSs commonly are graded based on their essential oils (EOs) content and analysis; but does the instrumental analysis really provide general information about the HSs sensory quality? Three chemotypes of Mentha spp. were used in the present study. From samples diversified by convective drying at different temperatures, EOs were hydrodistillated and analyzed by enantioselective GC-MS; moreover, the source plant material’s volatile profile was analyzed by the HS-SPME technique. The instrumental analysis was confronted with the results of the sensory panel. Changes in enantiomeric composition were observed during the drying process, although no clear correlations or trends could be found for individual chiral components. Furthermore, even with significant differences in particular volatiles’ contribution to plants’ EOs and their volatile profiles, judges were not able to match the sample EOs and plant samples with sufficient effectiveness (~40%). Based on those results, we suggest that volatile enantiomeric distribution does not have an actual influence on odor quality and that the sensory analysis should not be replaced with instrumental analysis, which cannot predict general sensory quality.

Diplotaxis erucoides is a wild edible plant (WEP) of the Brassicaceae family, growing as a weed in Mediterranean countries. It contains glucosinolates, which are hydrolyzed by myrosinase rendering isothiocyanates; these compounds are responsible for its characteristic aroma and flavor, similar to that of mustard or wasabi. The aim of this study was to characterize the Diplotaxis erucoides plant by analyzing its volatile, sugar, organic acid, and sensory profiles. This information will be essential to decide whether it is possible to develop sustainable and healthy alternatives to commercial mustard and wasabi using this WEP. Two Diplotaxis-based products were prepared one cream and one mayonnaise. Allyl isothiocyanate represented more than 80% of total content of volatile compounds in the leaves, pods and stems. The sugar and organic acid content of Diplotaxis and its based products were very low. The Diplotaxis products were characterized by having intense Diplotaxis odor/aroma, herbaceous flavor and long aftertaste, but lacked some pungency. Diplotaxis erucoides is a sustainable and healthy option to produce herbaceous and pungent sauces.

Herbero de la Sierra de Mariola is a traditional Spanish herb liqueur which can have up to 15 different plants. The aim of this study was to help in deciding which are the best suited herbs to be used to prepare a liqueur with the highest contents of bioactive compounds and their functional properties. Chemical parameters (FT-IR spectroscopy), total contents of bioactive compounds (polyphenols, flavonoids, and phenolic acids), sensory quality (total content of volatile compounds and aroma intensity), antioxidant activity (DPPH‧ and ABTS+), and antimicrobial activity, and sensory intensity were the parameters studied. In general, the best highest contents of the bioactive compounds and functional activities were found in liqueurs of the Lamiaceae family. An optimized version of this traditional liqueur might contain (i) winter savory, (ii) fennel, (iii) thyme, and (iv) peppermint. This study can be an example of how the scientific knowledge can be used to optimize traditional products, such as an Herbero de la Sierra de Mariola, and why not also to support the advantages of these products to establish future marketing campaigns.

Sustainable irrigation strategies in Southeast Spain (one of the most arid regions in Europe) are essential to fight against desertification and climate change mitigation. In this way, Fondillón production is based on rain-based vineyards, over-ripe Monastrell grapes, and non-alcohol fortification. Thus, Fondillón is a naturally sweet red wine, protected within the Alicante Denomination of Origin, recognized by the European Union in its E-bachus database. The study aim was to evaluate the effect of the aging (solera factor) on Fondillón: (i) basic enological parameters (e.g., total, and volatile acidity), (ii) chromatic characteristics, (iii) antioxidant activity (ABTS•+, FRAP and DPPH•), (iv) total contents of condensed tannins and anthocyanins, (v) volatile composition, (vi) sensory profile, and (vii) overall liking. Experimental data proved that the wine (1960 solera) with the highest total contents of condensed tannins and anthocyanins and total antioxidant activity was the most liked by Spanish consumers. Experimental results clearly established a positive relationship among Fondillón chemical composition, its antioxidant activity, and overall consumer liking. Exceptional harvest with grapes having extremely high antioxidant power (e.g., 1960 solera) will result, even more than 50 years later, in high quality wines with high consumer acceptance and a high monetary worth.

The Fondillon is a wine made from overripe grapes of the Monastrell variety, which is characterized by a high alcohol content and a minimum barrel ageing of 10 years. The objective of this study was to analyze the Fondillon volatile composition, key aroma-active compounds, sensory profile and phenolic composition. Fifty-four volatile compounds were identified, quantified and classified as alcohols, esters, acids, aldehydes, lactones, phenols, hydrocarbons and ketone. From these compounds, 22 aroma-active compounds were identified, with phenylethyl alcohol, diethyl succinate and ethyl lactate having the highest flavor dilution factor. The Fondillon wines were characterized by having high intensity of alcohol, fruity and toasted odor and flavor notes, and long aftertaste. Besides, 25 phenolic compounds were also identified and quantified; the phenolic acids (gallic, protocatechuic and syringic acids) were the predominant phenolic compounds.

Consumers look for unique wines, offering pleasant experiences. Wine producers need to open new markets and are targeting countries with fewer traditions in drinking red and complex wines, such as Poland, Russia and Germany. The use of less popular aging vessels (e.g., clay-tinajas) will help in creating unique wines. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the aging vessel on the volatile and sensory profiles and consumer acceptance of red wine in Spain and Poland (model of potential new markets). Three wines were studied: (i)&nbsp, wine A, aged in a clay-tinaja with non-permeable coating), (ii)&nbsp, wine B, aged in clay-tinaja without coating, and (iii)&nbsp, wine C, aged in oak barrels (control). The key families in the volatile profiles were esters (wines B and C) and organic acids and terpenes (wine A). Wine A was described as sour and bitter, wine B had a distinctive mineral note, and wine C had a complex profile with typical wood notes. Finally, wines C and A were the preferred ones for Spanish and Polish consumers, respectively. Clay-tinaja&nbsp, wine A can be a good option to introduce clay-tinaja wines in Polish and similar markets because it is a unique product and fulfills the sensory demands/habits of Polish consumers.

Cyperus esculentus tubers are the raw material to prepare tigernut milk (horchata), which can be marketed under Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) “C hufa de Valencia”. The aim of this study was to characterize commercial tigernut milks and compare PDO and non-PDO products. The following aspects were studied: (i) volatile profile, (ii) descriptive sensory profile, (iii) consumer satisfaction degree. The key volatile compounds were limonene, benzaldehyde, linalool and m-methoxyanisole. Principal component analysis indicated a mix of PDO and non-PDO samples in the groups formed. The highest consumer satisfactions were observed for 2 PDO samples. Penalty analysis showed that 80% of non-PDO samples needed improvements, while this percentage drastically decreased to 40% for PDO samples. The online study proved that a lot of people drink horchata, less people know the PDO Chufa de Valencia and even less people consume the protected product consciously. In conclusion, there was not a clear difference among protected and non-protected tigernut milks respect to volatile compounds but there were differences in the degree of consumer preference. So, it is clear that a lack of knowledge regarding the product and its PDO exists and needs attention.

One of the main current problems in European quality agricultural production is the lack of objective data for linking quality to origin and to evidence environmental concern (CO2 uptake and use of water in Spain). The aim of this study was to develop an agricultural management platform, based on Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) principles and with the ability to collect geolocated information from different plots related to Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) wine production. First a survey to farmers, technicians and PDO and PGI managers was carried out to detect the needs of the three groups in relation to ERP platforms, and secondly an ERP platform was developed to collect agronomic information to comply with the Spanish legal requirements. Results showed that the end user completes information database, complies with the legal requirements, and obtains benefits derived from the data analysis. Consequently, the platform (i) solves lack of agricultural data problem, (ii) provides the user with management tools for its agricultural operations, (iii) allows the decision maker to obtain geolocated information in real time, and (iv) sets out the bases for the future development of agricultural systems based on Big Data.