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Sparkling winemaking is an increasing industry in Castilla y León region of Spain. Several trials have been made to improve the techniques in order to offer better products to the market. This study focuses on the evaluation of the influence of different co-adjuvants in the sparkling winemaking process (β-glucanases, autolysated yeasts, yeasts cell walls and purified mannoproteins) by measuring different oenological parameters at 3, 6 and 9 months of ageing after the secondary fermentation. Both physicochemical and sensorial analyses are considered in order to reveal the incidence of these co-adjuvants in the final product. A consumers study has also been carried out with the aim of knowing the possible impact of the co-adjuvants in the market of the so elaborated sparkling wines. β-Glucanases seem to increase the ageing characteristics of the sparkling wines, while yeast derivatives (yeast cell walls and yeast autolysates) improve their fruity and flowery character. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this paper is to determine the main factors that influence the foaming properties of base wines and sparkling wines and, in particular, the role played by the maturity of the grapes in the controlled designation of origin (CDO) Cava. Macabeo, Xarel.lo, Parellada and Chardonnay grapes were harvested at two different maturity levels in two vintages. The first harvest was selected because of its desirable titratable acidity and the second because of its optimal sugar concentration. The mono-varietal base wines and standard blends were transformed into sparkling wines and aged for 14 months., Results: The results indicate that the main factors affecting foam properties are ethanol content, high molecular weight polysaccharides and gluconic acid (which have a negative effect), and proteins (which have a positive effect)., Conclusion: The main conclusion of this study is that the foaming properties of wines can be improved if harvest dates are advanced., (© 2014 Society of Chemical Industry.)