Characterization on the impact of different clarifiers on the white wine colloids using Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow Fractionation.

• Wine colloids WC are complex and heterogeneous compounds naturally present in wines. • Wine colloids can interact and aggregate forming haziness and insoluble compounds. • The fining process is intended to remove excessive colloidal material. • Clarifiers of different source remove specific colloidal and macromolecular fractions. • AF4 is a technique that allow us to monitor colloidal changes during clarification. Clarifiers are substances used during the winemaking process to enhance clarity and stability in the wines. The different clarifiers may alter removal capacities differently. In this study, the removal efficiency of seven common fining agents, divided into three groups (mineral clarifiers, synthetic polymeric clarifiers, and vegetable protein clarifiers), was analyzed with Asymmetrical Flow Field-Flow fractionation (AF4). Besides, the relationship between the removal capacity and different molecular and macromolecular properties has been evaluated. The results showed extensive removal of colloidal and macromolecular matter by the bentonites with potential impact on characteristic properties of the wine. The vegetable clarifiers showed a more profiled reduction, potentially preserving characteristics of the wine. The synthetic polymers showed a more limited removal efficiency but with a high affinity to remove colloidal phenols. The use of AF4-UV-MALS-dRI allowed the characterization of the wines after different clarification treatments, showing to be an analytical technique with a potential impact on the wine industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]