terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 International Congress on Grapevine and Wine Sciences 9 2ICGWS-2023 9 Role of anthocyanins and copigmentation in flavonol solubility in red wines 

Role of anthocyanins and copigmentation in flavonol solubility in red wines 

Abstract

Over the last years, due to climate change, several red wines, such as the Sangiovese wines, have been often subjected to loss of clarity due to the formation of deposits of fine needle-shaped crystals. This phenomenon turned out to be due to an excess of quercetin (Q) and its glycosides (Q-Gs) in wines. These compounds are synthesized to a large extent when grapes are excessively exposed to UVB radiations in vineyards[1]. Unfortunately, it is not easy to predict the degree of Q precipitation because its solubility strongly depends on the wine and matrix composition[2].  Surprisingly, some red wines rich in anthocyanins, even if contained high amount of Q, did not show any precipitates. Likely anthocyanins favour the solubility of Q since flavonols are among the most powerful cofactors involved in the copigmentation phenomenon. Thus, in this study, the role of anthocyanins in Q solubility was evaluated by adding known amounts of grape-derived anthocyanins into model solutions containing either Q or Q-Gs. The effects of pH and time on the Q solubility, copigmentation as well as on the hydrolysis of Q-Gs were determined. Our data showed that the solubility of Q passed from 5 mg/L to 25 mg/L when the amount of grape-derived anthocyanins added into the model solutions increased from 0 to 500 mg/L. Experimental samples were investigated over 30 days and significant changes in Q solubility, correlated to the variation in copigmentation and in anthocyanins/quercetin ratio, were observed. These results can assist wine producers to better evaluate the level of flavonol precipitation in red wines and to develop appropriate strategies in order to avoid undesired precipitations in bottle.   

Acknowledgements: The authors would like to thank the Biolaffort Company for funding.

References:

1) Martínez-Lüscher J. et al. (2019). Flavonol profile is a reliable indicator to assess canopy architecture and the exposure of red wine grapes to solar radiation. Frontiers in plant science, 10, 10. DOI 10.3389/fpls.2019.00010.

2) Gambuti A. et al. (2020). New insights into the formation of precipitates of quercetin in Sangiovese wines. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 57, 2602-2611. DOI 10.1007/s13197-020-04296-7

DOI:

Publication date: October 5, 2023

Issue: ICGWS 2023

Type: Article

Authors

Alessandra Luciano1, Luigi Picariello1, Martino Forino1, Angelita Gambuti1*

1 Department of Agricultural Sciences, Section of Vine and Wine Sciences, University of Napoli ″Federico II″, Viale Italia, Avellino 83100, Italy

Contact the author*

Keywords

quercetin, quercetin glycosides, solubility, red wines, anthocyanins, copigmentation crystals, precipitation

Tags

2ICGWS | ICGWS | ICGWS 2023 | IVES Conference Series

Citation

Related articles…

Using climate services to project grapevine varietal adequation under climate change – application to cv. Tempranillo in the Douro wine region

Vine growth circumstances are becoming warmer and drier because of climate change. Higher temperatures advance ripening to a point in the season less conducive to the production of fine wine, while drought reduces yields (Van Leeuwen et al., 2019). Several wine-producing regions around the world have already recognized threats to their viticultural viability (Santos et al., 2020). An economical and cost-effective strategy for adaptation is the employment of late-ripening, drought-resistant plant material (varieties, clones, and rootstocks).

Read More

Effect of ultraviolet B radiation on pathogenic molds of grapes

The fungicidal effect of UV-C radiation (100-280 nm wavelength) is well known, but its applicability for the control of pathogenic molds of grapes is conditioned by its effect on the host and by the risks inherent in its handling[1].
As an alternative, the effect in vitro of UV-B radiation (280-315 nm) on the main pathogenic molds of grapes has been studied: Botrytis cinerea, Aspergillus niger, Penicillium expansum and Rhizopus stolonifer.

Read More

Foliar application of urea improved the nitrogen composition of Chenin grapes

The nitrogen composition of the grapes directly affects the developments of alcoholic fermentation and influences the final aromatic composition of the wines. The aim of this study was to determine the effect and efficiency of foliar applications of urea on the nitrogen composition of grapes. This study was carried out during 2023 vintage and in the Chenin vineyard located in Estacion Experimental Mendoza (Argentina). Three urea concentrations 3, 6 and 9 Kg N/ha (C1, C2, and C3, respectively) and control (T) were applied in this vineyard at veraison. In all solutions were added 1ml/l of Tween 80 ® surfactant.

Read More

Effect of pH and ethanol on Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in red must fermentation: potential use of wine lees

Wine is the result of the alcoholic fermentation (AF) of grape must. Besides AF, wine can also undergo the malolactic fermentation (MLF) driven out by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Among LAB, Oenococcus oeni and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum are the dominant species in wine. Even if O. oeni is the most common LAB undergoing MLF in wine, due to its high tolerance to wine conditions, L. plantarum can be used to undergo MLF in must. The moderate tolerance of L. plantarum to low pH and ethanol, may compromise the fermentative process in harsh wines.

Read More

White grape must processed by UHPH as an alternative to SO2 addition: Effect on the phenolic composition in three varieties

The quantity and distribution of polyphenols in musts play a fundamental role in the white winemaking. This is because these substances are exposed to oxidation reactions, which are catalysed by the polyphenol oxidase (PPO), leading to a decrease in the quality of the wines produced. PPO is inactivated by SO2, but currently, due to the restrictions of the legislation, other methodologies are being investigated. Ultra-High Pressure Homogenization (UHPH) is a non-thermal physic technology that exerts an ultrahigh pressure pumping (>200 MPa) of a fluid through a valve in a continuous system.

Read More