terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 International Congress on Grapevine and Wine Sciences 9 2ICGWS-2023 9 Limiting magnesium availability: a novel approach to managing brettanomyces spoilage in winemaking

Limiting magnesium availability: a novel approach to managing brettanomyces spoilage in winemaking

Abstract

Brettanomyces is a world-renowned yeast that negatively impacts the chemical composition of wines through the production of metabolites that negatively impact the sensory properties of the final product. Its resilience in wine conditions and ability to produce off-flavors make it a challenge for winemakers. Currently, the primary control technique involves adding sulfur dioxide (SO2); however, some Brettanomyces strains are developing resistance to this preservative agent. [1] Therefore, new management strategies are necessary to control this spoilage yeast.

 

Mineral nutrients could be a promising approach to control Brettanomyces growth in winemaking. Magnesium (Mg2+), is specifically recognized as a protective element against yeast stress and can prevent cellular death from temperature shock and ethanol. [2] In this study, the effect of mineral concentration on Brettanomyces metabolism under winemaking conditions was investigated. Brettanomyces sensitivity to Mg2+ limitation was assessed by culturing it in the presence of decreasing Mg2+ concentrations. While 1 mg/L of Mg2+ supported normal growth, concentrations below 0.5 mg/L significantly limited growth, and 0.1 mg/L was unable to support proliferation. Long-term Mg2+ deficiency resulted in permanent viability reduction.

 

This nutritional study identifies Mg2+ as essential for Brettanomyces metabolism and provides a starting point for designing experiments to manage Brettanomyces spoilage in wine, improving quality and stability. Understanding the physiology and nutritional requirements of Brettanomyces can lead to more informed decisions and innovative strategies for managing spoilage, resulting in better wine quality, consumer satisfaction, and higher profits for the wine industry. The study assists in finding alternatives to SO2 to produce fault-free wines that align with current wine consumer preferences. 

Acknowledgments:

The ARC Training Centre for Innovative Wine Production

The Australian Wine Research Institute

Pernod Ricard Winemakers

References:

1)  Bartel, C., et al. (2021). “Adaptive evolution of sulfite tolerance in Brettanomyces bruxellensis.” FEMS Yeast Research 21(5), https://doi.org/10.1093/femsyr/foab036.

2)  Birch, R. M. and G. M. Walker (2000). “Influence of magnesium ions on heat shock and ethanol stress responses of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.” Enzyme and Microbial Technology 26(9-10): 678-687, https://doi.org/10.1016/S0141-0229(00)00159-9.

 

DOI:

Publication date: October 5, 2023

Issue: ICGWS 2023

Type: Article

Authors

Giordano1-2, J. Macintyre3, A. Borneman1-4, P. Grbin1

1 Wine Science Discipline, School of Agriculture Food and Wine, Waite Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, South Australia 5064, Australia
2 Australian Research Council Training Centre for Innovative Wine Production, The University of Adelaide, Urrbrae, South Australia 5064, Australia
3 Pernod Ricard Winemakers, 1914 Barossa Valley Way, Rowland Flat, SA 5352, Australia
4 The Australian Wine Research Institute, PO Box 197, Glen Osmond, Adelaide, SA 5064, Australia

Contact the author*

Keywords

Brettanomyces, wine spoilage, sulfur dioxide, mineral nutrients, magnesium, wine quality

Tags

2ICGWS | ICGWS | ICGWS 2023 | IVES Conference Series

Citation

Related articles…

Lipids at the crossroads of protection: lipid signalling in grapevine defence mechanisms

Understanding grapevine molecular processes and the underlying defence responses is vital for developing sustainable disease control strategies. Lipid signalling pathways, involving the synthesis and degradation of lipid molecules, have emerged as a key regulator in plant defence against pathogens. This study aims to elucidate the role of fatty acids and lipid signalling in grapevine’s defence response to P. viticola infection. The expression of lipid metabolism-related as well as lipid signalling genes was analysed, by qPCR, in three grapevine genotypes: Chardonnay (susceptible), Regent (tolerant) with Rpv3-1 resistance loci, and Sauvignac (resistant) harbouring a pyramid of Rpv12 and Rpv3-1 resistance loci.

Polysaccharide families of lyophilized extracts obtained from unfermented varietal grape pomaces

The recovery of bioactive compounds from grape and wine by-products is currently an important objective for revaluation and sustainability. Grape pomace is one of the main by-products and is a rich source of some bioactive compounds. The aim of this study was to evaluate the polysaccharide (PS) composition of extracts obtained from pomaces of different white and red grape varieties of Castilla y León. Grape pomaces were obtained after the pressing in the winemaking process.

Effect of drought on grapevine wood fungal pathogen communities using a metatranscriptomics approach

Crops are facing increasing biotic and abiotic stress pressures due to global changes. However, trade-off mechanisms between these stresses and the underlying physiological processes are still poorly understood, especially in perennial crop species. To better understand these trade-offs, we studied the effect of drought on grapevine (Vitis vinifera) physiology and esca-related wood fungal communities. Esca is a vascular disease caused by a community of wood-infecting pathogenic fungi, and characterized by trunk necrosis, leaf scorch symptoms, yield losses, and mortality.

Selecting green cover species in the under-trellis zone of Lower Austrian vineyards

The under-trellis zone of vineyards is a sensitive area through which vines cover a significant portion of their nutrient and water needs. Mechanical and chemical methods are applied to suppress competing and tall-growing weeds to ensure optimal vine growth conditions. In addition to higher operating costs and depending on the soil conditions, these practices might lead to a long-term reduction in soil fertility and biodiversity. The presented study aims to analyse the suitability and interspecies competition of a selected green cover mixture of five local herbaceous species as potential green cover mixture in the under-trellis area of Lower Austrian vineyards.

Effects of different soil types and soil management on greenhouse gas emissions 

Soil is important in the carbon cycle and the dynamics of greenhouse gases (CO2, CH4 and N2O). Key soil characteristics, such as organic matter content, texture, structure, pH and microbial activity, play a determining role in GHG emissions[1]. The objective of the study is to delimit different types of soil, with different soil management and to be able to verify the differences in CO2, CH4 and N2O emissions. The study was carried out in a vineyard of Bodegas Campo Viejo in Logroño (La Rioja), whose plant material is Vitis vinifera L. cv. Tempranillo.