OENO IVAS 2019 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 OENO IVAS 9 OENO IVAS 2019 9 Analysis and composition of grapes, wines, wine spirits 9 Aroma characterization of aged cognac spirits: contribution of volatile terpenoid compounds

Aroma characterization of aged cognac spirits: contribution of volatile terpenoid compounds

Abstract

Cognac spirit aromas result from the presence of a wide variety of volatile odorous compounds associated with the modalities of distilled spirit elaboration and during aging. Indeed, these odorous compounds play an essential role in the finesse and complexity of the aged Cognac. However, very few studies have been done on this subject especially regarding to aging notes with exotic wood (sandalwood) and balsamic descriptors. The aim of this work is to improve knowledge of these aromatic nuances.  

To answer this question, a sensory-guided approach was used after selection by an expert panel of aged Cognac spirits. After solvent extraction, HPLC fractionation was used in order to evidence fractions of interest recalling specific aromatic nuances of aged Cognac. Doing so, it was possible to select some HPLC fractions presenting interesting notes of aged Cognac and recalling particularly exotic wood and balsamic descriptors. Their contribution was demonstrated by reconstitution and omission tests with all HPLC fractions. 

 Then the GC-O/MS analysis of the selected fractions allowed to detect odorous zones and identify associated compounds. First, various well known compounds representative of terpenoids family were highlighted as geraniol, α-terpinene, nerol, α-terpineol, 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) and particularly piperitone which was not cited in Cognac. These compounds were quantified and their detection thresholds were carried out. 

An insight of their evolution during aging shown that geraniol, α-terpinene, α-terpineol and 1,8-cineole concentrations increased while spirit were more aged, while nerol tend to decrease. However aging had no impact on piperitone. The impact of wine distillation with lees was also particularly considered and the quantification of these compounds showed an impact of this parameter of the elaboration process. 

 The organoleptic impact of 1,8-cineole was highlighted in Cognac at concentration over its detection threshold. While continuing the GC-O analysis and its coupling to mass spectrometry, aroma nuances of sandalwood, were particularly noticeable. Thus, other molecules were identified through the sensory-guided method. They were santalol with sandalwood nuances and α-campholenal with tea and sandalwood nuances, both of which were related to sandalwood, respectively a sesquiterpene and a monoterpene. These new identifications thus open up a large field of investigation concerning the terpenoids family and their sensory impact within the aged Cognac matrix.

DOI:

Publication date: June 11, 2020

Issue: OENO IVAS 2019

Type: Article

Authors

Fannie Thibaud, Marie Courregelongue, Philippe Darriet

Unitéde recherche Oenologie, EA 4577, USC 1366 INRA, ISVV, Universitéde Bordeaux, Bordeaux INP, F33882 Villenave d’Ornon France

Contact the author

Keywords

Cognac, aroma, terpene, gas chromatography 

Tags

IVES Conference Series | OENO IVAS 2019

Citation

Related articles…

The use of epifluorescence versus plating to monitor the effect of different parameters on microorganisms in wine

The monitoring of the number of micro-orgranisms in wine is crucial for the wine producer. Traditional counting methods include microscopic enumeration and plating on selective media, which measures the culturability of the cells. The use of epifluorescence microscopy is, however, a method, which can measure both culturability and

Retrospective analysis of our knowledge regarding the genetics of relevant traits for rootstock breeding 

Rootstocks were the first sustainable and environmentally friendly strategy to cope with a major threat for Vitis vinifera cultivation. In addition to providing Phylloxera resistance, they play an important role in protecting against other soil-borne pests, such as nematodes, and in adapting V. vinifera to limiting abiotic conditions. Today viticulture has to adapt to ongoing climate change whilst simultaneously reducing its environmental impact. In this context, rootstocks are a central element in the development of agro-ecological practices that increase adaptive potential with low external inputs. Despite the apparent diversity of the Vitis genus, only few rootstock varieties are used worldwide and most of them have a very narrow genetic background. This means that there is considerable scope to breed new, improved rootstocks to adapt viticulture for the future.

Three new Apulian seedless varieties available for the table grape supply chain

The table grape industry in Europe is undergoing significant changes. For instance, in Italy, the national register of vine varieties was established in 1969, and since then, many varieties of table grapes have been registered. In the first thirty years, from 1969 to 1999, 62 seeded and 24 seedless varieties were registered. In the subsequent period, from 2000 to the present day, 23 seeded varieties and 99 seedless varieties were registered.

Prefermentative CO2 saturation of grape must to obtaining white wines with low SO2 content

The objective this work has been study the possibility of partially or completely replacing sulphur in the winemaking of white wines through the use of the prefermentative saturation of musts with CO2.

REDWINE project: use of Chlorella vulgaris to prevent biotic and abiotic stress in Palmela’s region, Portugal, vineyards

The new EU Green Deal aims to achieve GHG emissions reduction by at least 55% by 2030 and a climate neutral EU economy by 2050.
REDWine concept will be realized through the establishment of an integrated Living Lab demonstrating the viability of the system at TRL 7. The Living Lab will be able to utilize 2 ton of fermentation off-gas/year (90% of total CO2 produced in the fermenter) and 80 m3 of liquid effluent (100% of the liquid effluent generated during fermenter washing) to produce 1 ton (dry weight) of Chlorella biomass/year. This biomass will be processed under a downstream extraction process to obtain added-value extracts and applied in food, cosmetic and agricultural end-products and to generate a new EcoWine. REDWine will focus on the recovery of off-gas from a 20.000L fermenter of red wine production existing in Adega Cooperativa de Palmela (ACP, located in Palmela, Portugal).