Search

The grape variety Maratheftiko (V. vinifera sp.) is one of the most prestigious Cypriot varieties, yet Maratheftiko wines are rather poorly studied with regard to principal quality characteristics, such as the polyphenolic and aromatic profile. The current study was undertaken with the scope to investigate the effect of various common industrial prefermentation treatments on the non-volatile and volatile fractions of Maratheftiko wines, in two consecutive harvests. Different lots of grapes underwent the saigneé process, which was also combined with cold maceration, and/or enzyme and tannin addition, and the wines produced on industrial scale were analyzed to portray their profiles of anthocyanins, non-anthocyanin polyphenols, and volatiles. The non-anthocyanin composition was found to be dominated by flavonol glycosides (mainly quercetin 3-O-glucuronide), but also caftaric acid. The major anthocyanin pigment in all wines examined was malvidin 3-O-glucoside, accompanied by its p-coumarate derivative. The principal volatiles determined were isoamyl alcohol, ethyl octanoate, 2-phenylethanol, ethyl caprate, and isoamyl acetate. Principal component analysis revealed that the wines could be clearly discriminated based on vintage year but not based on the different treatments. This study offered novel insights into the composition of Maratheftiko wines and provided some evidence regarding the impact of common enological techniques on their non-volatile and volatile fractions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of multi-starters in oenological conditions (Saccharomyces cerevisiae and non-Saccharomyces species) is becoming increasingly common. For the past ten years, the combination of Torulaspora delbrueckii and S. cerevisiae has been proposed to winemakers to improve the wine aromatic profile compared to pure inoculation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In this work, two commercial strains, T. delbrueckii Zymaflore® Alpha and S. cerevisiae Zymaflore® X5 (Laffort compagny, Floirac, France), were investigated in Sauvignon blanc must using a fermentor with a double compartment allowing for physical separation of the two yeast species. The physical separation of the two species resulted in significant differences in the growth, fermentation kinetics (maximum fermentation rate (+13%)), fermentation duration (−14%) and the production of 3SH (+35%) in comparison to mixed cultures with contact. Proteomic analysis confirmed cell–cell contact interactions, as strong differences were observed for both species between mixed cultures with and without physical contact. T. delbrueckii mortality in mixed cultures with physical contact may be explained by an oxidative stress. Indeed two proteins implicated in the oxidative stress response were found in significantly higher amounts: a cytosolic catalase T and a cytoplasmic thioredoxin isoenzyme. For S. cerevisiae, an increase in proteins involved in the respiratory chain and proton transport were found in higher amounts in pure cultures and mixed culture without physical contact. Our results confirmed that the two mixed inoculations increased certain minor esters (ethylpropanoate, ethyl dihydrocinnamate and ethyl isobutanoate) specifically produced by T. delbrueckii, 3.4-fold more compared to in the pure S. cerevisiae culture. In conclusion, these results provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms involved in cell–cell contact and confirm the benefits of using T. delbrueckii species under winemaking conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major challenges that global warming poses to viticulture is the maintenance of adequate acidity at maturity in white grapes for sparkling winemaking. This issue arises from three main occurrences: (i) with higher temperatures, degradation of malic acid is significantly enhanced; (ii) with a general advancement in grapevine phenology, grape maturity may occur under suboptimal climatic conditions; and (iii) harvesting grapes at "traditional" dates results in overripe fruits for sparkling destinations. In this biennial work, we compared the fruit and must composition of a local, widely grown white grape variety in the Colli Piacentini area (cv. Ortrugo, ORT) with those of a minor autochthonous variety, namely, Barbesino (BRB). Furthermore, we compared the composition, aromatic, and sensory profiles of wines obtained from ORT and BRB grapes picked on the same date and, in addition, of a second Barbesino wine from late harvest (BRB-LH). ORT and BRB had a similar sugar accumulation dynamic, whereas BRB exhibited a delayed loss of titratable acidity. In more details, BRB had lower malic acid degradation rates when malate concentration was <9 g/L. As a result, with comparable yield and total soluble solid content (TSS) (∼20°Brix), BRB had a higher berry titratable acidity and malic acid concentration at harvest than ORT. BRB wines showed the highest titratable acidity (TA), while ORT had the lowest TA and a higher pH, and as expected, BRB-LH had the highest pH and a lower TA than BRB although still higher than those of ORT wine. The aroma profiles of wines were mainly characterized by fermentative aromas, including esters, fatty acids, higher alcohols, and C6 compounds, and BRB-LH wines showed the highest concentration of higher alcohols, while the fermentative esters were higher in ORT wines. Panelists considered BRB significantly fresher and with bigger aroma intensity than ORT, confirming that the higher acidity detected in BRB musts is well preserved in final wines. Our work demonstrates that local minor varieties can be reconsidered in light of the new climate change-related issues impairing viticulture sustainability today. In particular, currently neglected cultivars could help preserve must acidity as compared to traditional varieties having early ripening, maintaining the links with terroir and local traditions at the same time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Leafroll and red blotch are two of the most consequential viral diseases threatening the sustainability of the wine grape industry. To promote uptake of management practices, there is a critical need to understand the motivating factors for decision makers and optimize the dissemination and acquisition of knowledge. From 2019 to 2020, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 42 wine grape industry professionals ("decision makers") in the Western United States, from California (n = 32) and Washington (n = 10). The interview questions explored the perceptions and experiences of these decision makers as they learned about disease ecology, interacted with their immediate and extended community, and adopted management practices. Utilizing qualitative thematic analysis, we identified nine economic, knowledge, and social-behavioural factors along with 24 sub-factors. These factors illustrated the interplay between knowledge, communication, economics, labour, government subsidies, regulatory practices, and collaborative efforts that influence adoption. The quality of knowledge dissemination emerged as a critical aspect. Using the interview data along with a quantitative survey (n = 145), we also explored how growers use 14 educational resources to learn about grapevine viruses. Using these findings, extension educators can optimize their activities to disseminate knowledge on grapevine viral disease management. In total, this study provides context for the agricultural industry, research scientists, extension educators, and other supporting partners of the financial, interpersonal, and technical issues that must be overcome to successfully manage grapevine viral diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grignolino is an autochthonous Italian red variety cultivated in Piedmont (north-west Italy), used in high percentages (90–100%) to produce three main different DOC wines, generally consumed young. The Monferace project was born of an idea of 12 winegrowers wanting to create a new "old style" Grignolino red wine and inspired by ancient winemaking techniques of this variety. Monferace wine is produced following a discipline which gives some guidelines but no indications on the vinification technique or on the variety of wood to be used. The percentage of Grignolino grapes should be 100% and the ageing of 40 months, 24 of which are spent in wooden barrels of differing volumes. The aim of this work is the definition of the sensory profile of Monferace wines during ageing. The sensory analysis on 10 Monferace wines (2019 vintage) was assessed after approximately 11 months of ageing in wood. A trained panel carried out the wine sensory descriptive analysis (sensory profile) with a methodology derived from ISO norms. The results showed that all the wines were characterized by 16 attributes: color (garnet red, orange highlights), odor (rose, violet, nutmeg, pepper, blackberries, cherries, jam/marmalade, dry herbaceous, boisé-oak wood) and taste (acidity, bitterness, astringency, structure (body) and taste–olfactory persistence). Some attributes were, quantitatively, not statistically different: acidity, bitterness, astringency. All the other attributes discriminated the wines with different intensities, and each wine had a specificity. These preliminary results demonstrated the cohesion of sensory attributes among the wines, with individual distinctions within each product, and indicated that Monferace is a very promising wine style for the Grignolino variety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work studies the variability of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae present during the spontaneous fermentation of Garnacha grapes' musts from a "Pago" winery from the east of Spain. The parameters used to select yeast are those related to growth, fermentative behaviour, and the influence on the wine's aroma and polyphenolic composition. Yeast identification was performed by ITS analysis and typed by Hinfl mDNA restriction profile analysis. Growth and metabolic characteristics of the isolates were determined by laboratory-scale fermentations of sterile Garnacha must, and the composition of the polyphenolic and the volatile compounds, and the sensory attributes of the small-scale produced red wines were determined. Ten S. cerevisiae strains were isolated and characterized. Overall, strain 22H quickly grew, produced wines with moderate ethanol concentrations and low volatile acidity, and obtained the highest colour and aroma scores, plus a high score for sensory attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Consumers are more and more oriented towards the purchase of safer food and beverages, which is pushing the wine sector to find alternatives to the use of sulfur dioxide. Ozone (O3) is already applied in the wine industry to produce sulfur dioxide-free wines through the patented method Purovino®. The aim of this two-year study was that of evaluating whether the postharvest treatment of grapes with ozone affects volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and polyphenol profile in berries, and in turn, wine composition. Grape bunches (Vitis vinifera L.) of cv Sangiovese were fumigated overnight with gaseous ozone (max 20 g·h−1 with 6% w.w−1 of ozone) in a cold room at 4°C (±0.5). After treatment, grapes were processed into wine. In grapes, ozone treatments increased total polyphenol and flavonoid content and upregulated specific genes (phenylalanine ammonia lyase, VvPAL, flavanol synthase 1, and VvFLS1) involved in polyphenol biosynthesis. Wine obtained from ozone-treated grapes had higher flavanol content than the control. Fumigation only slightly affected the different VOC classes of grapes and wine, including aroma compounds derived from the lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway. Although a season-dependent effect was observed, results showed that postharvest ozone treatments applied to avoid the use of sulfur dioxide introduced limited but, in general, positive modifications to grape and wine composition. This information provides assurance to winemakers that the maintenance of wine quality and typicity will be guaranteed when using ozone treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wine is known as a source of bioactive compounds and is one of the alcoholic beverages with the highest phenolic content. There has been growing interest in the composition of wine due to its beneficial properties for human health. This work focuses on biologically active and sensory attributes of white wine and presents research on wine chemical profiles in relation to their geographical origin, varieties and storage. The aim of this study was to investigate the phenolic compound evolution of 35 selected white wine varieties from the Moravian region in the Czech Republic. To separate and identify individual phenolic compounds in the wines, the high-performance liquid chromatographic method was used. A spectrophotometric method was applied for the determination of total polyphenol and total flavonoid content. This research presents results for the total benzoic and cinnamic acid derivatives, flavonols, flavanols and stilbene content of Moravian white grape varieties. Differences were found in the content of these compounds, and the results show that the phenolic concentrations depend on grape variety and storage time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the presence of career and promotion-based incentives in the context of arm's-length contracting between wineries and independent wine-grape farmers. We hypothesise that long-term contracts represent a stage in a farmer's career after a series of short-term contracts. We develop a conceptual framework to frame the interaction between explicit performance incentives and implicit career incentives arising from the possibility of promotion to a long-term contract, conditional on wineries learning a farmer's potential for superior-quality production. Based on data from Chilean wine-grape farmers, we find evidence suggesting that implicit market-based incentives, usually studied in the context of employment contracts, are also important in arm's-length contracts used in procurement of farm output. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims. Vitis vinifera L. is a major global horticulture crop which holds historical connections contributing to the development of human culture. The main objective of the study was to explore the genetic diversity and structure of grapes curated at the germplasm bank of Aragón and link them to cultivar utilization, putative geographic origin, and historical events. Methods and Results. The genetic diversity of the 411 accessions of the Grapevine Germplasm Bank was assessed using 26 SSR markers. SSR markers VVIP31, VMC4F3-1, VVIV67, and VVS2 distinguished the 156 nonredundant genotypes found in the collection. The profiles were compared to the El Encin database, and 105 were identified as known cultivars, of which 93 were Spanish, 12 were from other European origins, and 51 others were not known. The 51 profiles, as they were all collected in Spain, were designated as Spanish unknown for further analysis. To establish a comparative study for principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and structure, we kept 113 identified genotypes from this collection but added 61 representative genotypes with diverse European and oriental origins. Bayesian analysis and PCoA showed four distinct groups of grape cultivars: (1) traditional Spanish wine grape from Aragón or cultivated along the Ebro River, (2) Spanish wine grape, (3) Spanish and oriental table grape, and (4) Italian, Portuguese, French, and German-Slovenian wine grape varieties. Conclusions. The 51 unknown Spanish genotypes were not registered yet in any European commercial list and are of special interest. These genotypes could be ancient cultivars adapted to local climatic and environmental conditions and probably resilient to face the new conditions derived from climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming to develop a sustainable methodology for must acidity correction in winemaking, particularly needed in warm regions, the present study intends to fulfill the circular economy values. Antão Vaz white wines were produced using two different strategies for must acidity correction: (i) the addition of a mixture of organic acids (Mix*) commonly used in winemaking; and (ii) the addition of previously produced unripe grape must (UM*) from the same grape variety. In addition, a testimonial (T*) sample was produced with no acidity correction. For all wines produced, oenological parameters were determined, and both amino acid (AA) content and volatile composition were evaluated. A higher AA content was found in the Antão Vaz T* wine, followed by UM* wines. The volatile profile was also affected, and LDA demonstrates a clear separation of wines with different acidity corrections. Results obtained indicate that unripe grape musts—a vital waste product containing several compounds with important biological activity—can be used to increase musts acidity without a negative impact on wine characteristics. Furthermore, this work also shows that the use of unripe must may be a valuable tool for reducing the alcoholic content of wines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research is aimed at investigating the potential of two commercial Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains (EC1118 and AWRI796) to generate wine-specific volatile molecule fingerprinting in relation to the initial must applied. To eliminate the effects of all the process variables and obtain more reliable results, comparative fermentations on interlaboratory scale of five different regional red grape musts were carried out by five different research units (RUs). For this purpose, the two S. cerevisiae strains were inoculated separately at the same level and under the same operating conditions. The wines were analyzed by means of SPME-GC/MS. Quali-quantitative multivariate approaches (two-way joining, MANOVA and PCA) were used to explain the contribution of strain, must, and their interaction to the final wine volatile fingerprinting. Our results showed that the five wines analyzed for volatile compounds, although characterized by a specific aromatic profile, were mainly affected by the grape used, in interaction with the inoculated Saccharomyces strain. In particular, the AWRI796 strain generally exerted a greater influence on the aromatic component resulting in a higher level of alcohols and esters. This study highlighted that the variable strain could have a different weight, with some musts experiencing a different trend depending on the strain (i.e., Negroamaro or Magliocco musts). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims. If bioprotection has already been proven to limit the development of spoilage flora on musts, its effectiveness against oxidation depends on the winemaking process. To optimize its application, this study analyzed the evolution of the chemical composition of the bioprotected musts and wines, according to different settling routes. Their impacts on the organoleptic characteristics of wines were also studied. Methods and Results. A bioprotected must was subjected to 6 different maceration routes before AF (triplicates), varying the duration and temperature parameters. A temperature value ≤12°C was the main factor independently of the duration which allowed a good implantation of the bioprotectant. An increase of the maceration duration at 12°C led to browning of the must, without significant effect on the final color of the wine, which was felt as more "floral," with more length in the mouth. Conclusions. The bioprotectant implantation and its effectiveness on the sensory profile of the wine was guaranteed at maceration temperature values lower than 12°C. Significance of the Study. This study participates in the improvement of the bioprotection management in white winemaking, with the guarantee of a positive impact of the prefermentation maceration without sulphites on the organoleptic profile of the wines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims. Rosé wines are becoming more popular, as is the demand for organic wines. However, there are few studies on the effects of operative choices on the quality and style of these wines. The paper aims to investigate the effects of the early stages of processing (destemming/crushing and pressing) on rosé wine characteristics. Methods and Results. A full factorial experiment was carried out on Sangiovese, considering two factors related to grape processing: the prepressing treatment (intact clusters or destemmed/crushed berries) and the pressing pressure. Sugars, ethanol, acidity, phenols, and color were measured in juices, while volatile compounds and sensory profiles were evaluated in wines. Destemming/crushing dramatically changed the composition of both juices and wines'; notably, acidity increased and floral and color intensities decreased in intact cluster samples. Furthermore, a clear interaction was found between prepressing treatment and pressure. Pressure, in turn, affected several acidity and color parameters. This could be related to the chemical composition and consistency of the different berry zone, which interact with the mechanical action of the destemmer/crusher and press. Conclusions. Processing choices affect all of the main qualitative features of rosé wine; they could be successfully used to decide the wine's style and minimize the use of additives and adjuvants. Significance of the study: in rosé production, the capability to modulate the operational protocols allows selecting of different wines from the same grape batch. This represents a useful tool to optimize grape processing according to the company's commercial priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change scenarios are predicting an increase in temperature as well as more scarce and torrential rainfall episodes. Due to this, an imbalance between grape technological and phenolic maturity is being observed, which detrimentally affects the grapes' composition. In semi-arid areas, irrigation management is a main field practice used to influence grape ripening. The goal of the present study was to investigate the influence of vine irrigation on the aroma composition and sensory characteristics of La Mancha Chelva wines. Volatile compounds were studied by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A total of 75 aroma compounds were identified and quantified in Chelva wines elaborated with grapes of irrigated and non-irrigated vines. The results show that the application of irrigation during vine cultivation produced small changes in the concentration of wine volatile compounds. Nevertheless, it increased, in general, the intensity of the attributes of the main aroma sensory profile of the wines. According to the results, the vine irrigation of Chelva cultivated in the La Mancha region can be used as a method to increase the aroma of wines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Grapegrowers and winemakers, around the world, are searching for strategies to mitigate the compositional and sensory consequences of grapevine exposure to smoke from wildfires. This study evaluated the use of activated carbon fabrics as protective coverings to mitigate the uptake of smoke‐derived volatile phenols by grapes, and accordingly, the intensity of smoky, ashy characters in wine. Methods and Results: Smoke was applied to Mataro grapes, with and without individual bunches being enclosed in bags made from three activated carbon fabrics (felt, light cloth and heavy cloth). Wine made from smoke‐exposed grapes had an elevated concentration of volatile phenols, but the composition of wines made from grapes protected by activated carbon fabric was comparable to that of the Control wine; the difference in concentration of guaiacol, o‐ and m‐cresol and/or syringol was only 1 μg/L. Wine made from smoke‐exposed grapes had diminished fruit and prominent smoke characters, whereas the sensory profile of the wines corresponding to activated carbon fabric treatments could not be differentiated from that of the Control wine. Analysis by GC/MS of the activated carbon fabrics following repeated smoke exposure confirmed their adsorption of smoke volatiles. Conclusions: The activated carbon fabrics successfully protected Mataro grapes and wine from being tainted by smoke exposure. Significance of the Study: This study demonstrates a promising new technology for overcoming smoke taint, an issue of major concern for grape and wine producers worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shine Muscat, with its excellent quality and unique Muscat aroma, is emerging as one of the most profitable table grape cultivars in Asia. However, in-depth analysis of the cultivar’s aroma profile before berries are harvest-ready is lacking. The aroma components and their concentrations undergo substantial changes during berry ripening, which provides an opportunity for producing some juice/wine products with special flavour. In this study, the evolution of free and bound aroma compounds in Shine Muscat grapes was analysed from EL-35 to EL-38. The main aroma attributes of harvest-ready berries were: ‘green’, ‘sweet’, ‘floral’ and ‘fruity’. The headspace SPME-GC-MS analysis revealed that alcohols were the most abundant free and bound compounds in Shine Muscat. Furthermore, the free forms of hexanal, β-damascenone, and (E, Z)-2,6-nonadienal determined the aroma characteristics of the grapes directly, while the bound forms of β-damascenone, (E, Z)-2,6-nonadienal, and 2-hexanol determined the aroma of Shine Muscat that cannot to be smelled directly. Taking all indicators together, we believe that picking Shine Muscat grapes at EL-37 (when a minimum TSS of 17% has been reached) maintains its fine aroma characteristics. These results lay the foundation for the further development, utilisation and study of the aroma characteristics of Shine Muscat grapes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Commercial Malagousia varietal wines, which are produced in almost all Greek viticultural zones, represent a relatively important part of Greek wine activity. This study presents the results of a profile compilation of volatile aroma compounds of Malagousia musts fermented under identical conditions with selected yeast strains. In total, 62 volatile aroma compounds were identified and separated into their chemical classes (aldehydes, higher alcohols, volatile phenols, terpenes, C13-norisoprenoids, lactones, esters, fatty acids, sulphur compounds, other compounds, and other alcohols). Alcohols and higher alcohols, such as cis-hexen- 1-ol and geraniol, terpenes like linalool, esters such as ethyl isovalerate, ketones such us betadamascenone, beta-ionone and zingerone, and fatty acids such as geranic acid and phenylacetaldehyde, were found in all the samples. Among them, linalool and phenylacetaldehyde had the strongest effect on the volatile compound profile of Malagousia wines. The same wine samples were subjected to sensorial analysis by a trained panel of 10 wine tasters, and a statistical analysis of both analyses presents similarities between the two analysis approaches. It is hoped that the results will contribute to a better understanding of the quality potential of the Malagousia variety so as to evaluate possible differences on the basis of the detected aroma concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen nutrition is one of the most effective cultural practices in vineyards. The vine nitrogen status influences the berries' quality characteristics and the produced wines. The current study investigated the effect of traditional nitrogen fertilization in the form of ammonium sulfate compared to nitrogen fertilization coupled with the nitrification inhibitor 3,4-Dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) on the agronomic characteristics of grapes and the produced wines of the white variety Savvatiano from a productive vineyard in the Attiki region. Must and wine quality was evaluated by a chemical analysis and sensorial evaluation by trained panelists. The different forms of nitrogen fertilizers did not significantly affect the aroma and sensory profile in contrast to unfertilized grapevines. In addition, the applied fertilization increased some important aroma compounds in the wine, compared to no fertilization. The significance of this work is to add information about the effect of nitrogen fertilization on the wine volatile composition of the Greek white grapevine Savvatiano. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Knowledge of varietal wine flavour and aroma compounds has improved, but gaps exist concerning how grape composition impacts wine style. This work aimed to explore the influence that different grape tissues can have on the volatile profiles of wines. Methods and Results: Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon berries were separated into skin, flesh and seeds. Two sets of fermentations were performed using separated tissues: one using an equal mass of each tissue and another where the amount of each tissue in 25 g of berries was fermented. When an equal mass of tissue was used, the seed‐derived wines had a higher concentration of esters than that produced from other grape tissues. Those produced using skins had the highest concentration of lipoxygenase pathway‐derived compounds, and, for Riesling, a higher concentration of monoterpenes. When the proportional amounts of each tissue found per berry were used, the flesh‐derived wines generally had a higher concentration of many wine volatiles compared to the other tissues. This reflects the greater proportion of flesh tissue in the berry compared to skin and seeds. Conclusions: Seed‐derived compounds can enhance ester biosynthesis during fermentation and skins appear to have high lipoxygenase pathway activity. Nevertheless, the flesh makes up such a large proportion of the whole berry that it has the major influence on volatile profiles of whole berry fermentations. Significance of the Study: Different berry tissues can alter wine composition in unique ways, and this can inform strategies to alter wine composition through vineyard management or the selection of new germplasm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Assuming that wine markets are efficient, ultimately a bottle of wine's cost and therefore its price should reflect its vintage, grape variety as well as how it is vinified. Yet, being an experiential good, a wine's price is also closely related to its place of origin. If the designated viticultural area of wine is coming from is not considered, even in a relatively new wine country, wine makers may end up over-estimating the premium attached to vintage, variety as well as how it is vinified. Regression results indicate that, for Ontario wines, the over-estimations vary between 1% points and 18% points. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Identifying the genes that participate in the sweetness and acidity of the berry is key, because these traits are quintessential to the flavour and quality of fresh grapes and wine. In this study we focused on the identification of genomic regions that host genes associated with sweetness and acidity in tablegrapes. Methods and Results: A highly saturated genetic map was prepared using a Ruby Seedless × Sultanina cross (RxS; n = 138) genotyped using an SNPlex‐type platform, and quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were mapped. In the integrated map of this population, 1731 markers were distributed along the 19 linkage groups (LGs) of the species. Three significant QTLs, two in LG5 and one in LG8, were associated with fructose/glucose ratio, TA and tartaric acid concentration; these QTLs explained up to 20% of the phenotypic variance for these traits. Eight candidate genes located within the confidence intervals of the sugar and TA QTLs were chosen and their expression profiles analysed from flowering to berry ripening. A Genome‐Wide Association Study (GWAS) analysis revealed the association of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in the same regions as QTLs. Conclusions: Quantitative trait loci significant for sugar and acidity were identified on a tablegrape high‐quality genetic map; furthermore, an association between acidity or sugar concentration and expression changes for candidate genes was also observed. Significance of the Study: These findings could become the basis to develop selection tools for the breeding of these traits in tablegrape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The presence of matter other than grapes (MOG) is common in the winemaking process when sorting equipment is not utilised. Experimental wines were made to examine the effect of MOG on the sensory profile and chemical composition of wine. Methods and Results: A Shiraz wine made without MOG was compared to fermentations with grape leaves, grape stalks (rachis) and peduncles (the stalk connecting the bunch to the vine) added at amounts at or slightly above those found in a commercial harvest bin. Fifty‐one volatile aroma compounds were quantified in the wines, and sensory descriptive analysis was applied. The wine made with leaves added was rated by the sensory panel similar to the Control and was significantly higher only in positive aromas such as 'confectionery' and 'red fruit' likely due to a higher concentration of hexanol and (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol. The addition of peduncles slightly enhanced 'green' aroma and flavour. The rachis treatment was high in 'green capsicum/green stalks' attributes, as well as astringency, and was high in methoxypyrazines. Conclusions: The inclusion of different types of MOG during fermentation can alter the sensory profile and chemical composition of Shiraz wines in varying ways, including extraction of methoxypyrazines from the rachis, resulting in notable 'green' attributes. Significance of the Study: The inclusion of MOG is unavoidable in common winemaking practices, especially with the use of mechanical harvesting. Determining the influence of MOG on the volatile composition of the finished wine is an important step in manipulating wine style. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: The wine industry widely acknowledges that grape heterogeneity exists throughout any given vineyard at the time of harvest. There is a lack of understanding, however, of the effects that heterogeneity has on wine composition and sensory qualities. This study compared the chemical composition and sensory attributes of wines produced using parcels of grapes with known heterogeneity. Methods and Results: Cabernet Sauvignon berries were sorted into maturity classes using five density baths. Winemaking was undertaken with a varying proportion of sorted berries to obtain wines arising from low, moderate and high grape heterogeneity musts, containing the same level of TSS for comparison to a Control wine that represented the inherent heterogeneity of the harvested vines. Wines were distinguished by the concentration of 3‐isobutyl‐2‐methoxypyrazine, total anthocyanins and total phenolics, with the low heterogeneity wine having the highest values of each measurement. The high heterogeneity wine was characterised by a higher concentration of acetic acid. Principal component analysis of rate‐all‐that‐apply sensory attribute scores revealed that low and moderate heterogeneity wines were characterised by floral and pepper aroma attributes, and the high heterogeneity wine by sour taste. Conclusions: The differing levels of grape heterogeneity had a subtle effect on Cabernet Sauvignon wine colour, aroma and taste attributes, but it was demonstrated that the level of grape heterogeneity could be of relevance if it translated into differences in wine quality and style. Significance of the Study: The potential impact of grape heterogeneity on the chemical composition and sensory profile of Cabernet Sauvignon wine was highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red wines and their grape pomaces are important sources of phenolic compounds. Inhibition of platelet aggregation is one of the mechanisms proposed for cardioprotective effect of phenolic compounds from wine and grape pomace; however, phenolic content is affected by region, variety and winemaking process. In the present study, antiplatelet effect of red wines and grape pomaces was related to its phenolic content (determined by spectrophotometric techniques) and profile (determined using HPLC-MS/MS). in vitro Anti-platelet aggregation was determined using human platelets. Results showed that Zinfandel wine and Cabernet Sauvignon grape pomace presented the highest phenolic content. Phenolic profiles presented differences in the presence of flavonoids and oligomeric tannins. Results from platelet aggregation showed that Merlot and Petit Verdot wines and Petit Verdot grape pomace sample presented the highest antiaggregant effect. These results indicate that antiplatelet effect could be related to phenolic profile than phenolic content in wines and grape pomaces. Cardioprotective effect of red wines and grape pomace could be related to specific compounds such as monomeric and polymeric flavan-3-ols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]