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…

Stomatal abundance in grapevine: developmental genes, genotypic variation, and physiology

Grapevine cultivation is threatened by the global warming, which combines high temperatures and reduced rainfall, impacting in wine quality and even plant survival. Breeding for varieties resilient to these challenges must address plant traits such as tolerance to supraoptimal temperatures and optimized water use efficiency while minimizing productivity and quality losses. Stomatal abundance (SA) determines the maximum leaf potential for transpiration and thus water loss and cooling. Since SA results from a developmental process during leaf emergence and growth, knowledge on the genetic control of this process would provide specific targets for modification.

Evaluation of Furmint clones in the Tokaj Wine Region

The ’Furmint’ is the most important grape variety in the Tokaj Wine Region, constituting around 65% of its vineyard area. Before the phylloxera disease many types were grown, but as selection started in the 20th century, its diversity dramatically narrowed. As a result, the cultivation of Furmint was based mainly on two heavy-cropping clones, T.85 and T.92 at the end of the ’80s. Aims of present clone research take into account that after solely quantity as target, quality emerged in the 1990’s and most recently, typicity appeared as more private estates began their own selection program.

Effect of spray with autochthonous Trichoderma strains and its secondary metabolites on the quality of Tempranillo grape

Trichoderma is one of the most widely used fungal biocontrol agents on vineyards due to its multiple benefits on this crop, such as its fungicidal and growth promoting capacity. In this work, we have analyzed the effect on the concentration of nutrients in grapevine leaves and on the quality of the grape must after spraying an autochthonous strain of Trichoderma harzianum and one of the main secondary metabolites produced by this genus, 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6PP).

How are canned wine drinkers perceived? An investigation involving Swiss nationals and different scenarios of outdoor leisure activities

This study examines how people who consume wine in cans are perceived in terms of their basic personality characteristics, helps understand the role of cultural background on people’s perception, and verify the role played by the consumption context on the perception. Our hypothesis is that prejudice and negative attitudes towards wine in cans might exert a negative effect on the evaluation of people who consume canned wine. To evaluate this hypothesis, the consumption of wine in cans was evoked in four different contexts of use during outdoor leisure activity (beach resort, ski resort, desert safari, and party). In order to examine the effect of culture on subject’s response we use participants from Switzerland, a country where three different cultures, associated with three different languages, cohabit.

Detoxification capacities of heavy metals and pesticides by yeasts 

Winegrowing is still characterized by the extensive use of chemical fertilizers and plant protection products, despite strong recommendations to limit these practices. A part of these xenobiotics and metals are then found in grape juice and wine, causing a major health concern, as well as negatively affecting the fermentation process. In recent years, there has been renewed interest in non-Saccharomyces yeasts. These species have a wide phenotypic diversity, which would be exploited to broaden the aromatic palette of wines.