Selection and characterization of autochthonous strains of Oenococcus oeni for vinification in Priorat (Catalonia, Spain)

The use of autochthonous strains of Oenococcus oeni for inducing malolactic fermentation (MLF) in wines is increasing because they are well adapted to the conditions of a specific area. The main aim of this work was to select O. oeni strains from Priorat (Catalonia, Spain) wines that would be able to carry out the MLF while maintaining the characteristics of the wine. Forty-five autochthonous strains were selected based on their degradation of L-malic acid, resistance to low pH and high ethanol, and the absence of biogenic amine genes. The three strains with the best characteristics were inoculated and MLF was carried out successfully with the final wines showing good characteristics. One of the inoculated O. oeni strains would be a good candidate to study as possible starter culture. It shows that autochthonous O. oeni strains, once selected, have the potential to be used as an inoculum for wines.