terclim by ICS banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 International Congress on Grapevine and Wine Sciences 9 2ICGWS-2023 9 Overall conceptual characterization of aged dry white wines using a mental descriptive questionnaire

Overall conceptual characterization of aged dry white wines using a mental descriptive questionnaire

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to understand the overall concept of an aged dry white wine using a descriptive mental questionnaire. A total of 680 worldwide participants, grouped according to their involvement in the wine business, replied to an online questionnaire to characterize the sensory analytical and synthetic descriptors of an aged dry white wine. The descriptors were selected using a Check-All-That-Apply (CATA) approach concerning wine colour, aroma, taste, mouthfeel, and global appreciation.

 

The responses checked by at least 20% of the participants included the following number of descriptors: (a) 5, for the colour; (b) 7, for the aromas; (c) 6, for the taste and the mouthfeel; and (d) 10, for the global appreciation. The involvement level did not influence the diversity of the sensory descriptors. However, highly involved subjects used more frequently terms such as beeswax, kerosene, length and saltiness. Overall, the conceptual space of aged white wines may be characterized by deep yellow to deep gold colour and aromas of dried fruit, honey, caramel, oak and beeswax. The taste and mouthfeel were dominated by acidity, body, length, viscosity, smoothness and dryness. The global appreciation included terms such as complex, persistent, rich, concentrated and developed. A consensual tasting script could have the following text: “Deep gold to amber colour, mature and developed aroma, with notes of dried fruit, honey and caramel. Taste dominated by acidity, encompassing a mouthfeel sensation marked by body, dryness, smoothness and after-mouth persistence.” This overall sensory space is consistent with the metaphorical concept of “mellowed by age” wines, thus avoiding the conceivable negative connotation of “old wine”.

DOI:

Publication date: October 5, 2023

Issue: ICGWS 2023

Type: Article

Authors

Manuel Malfeito-Ferreira* and Mariana Sequeira

Linking Landscape, Environment, Agriculture and Food (LEAF) Research Center, Associated Laboratory TERRA, Instituto Superior de Agronomia, University of Lisbon, Tapada da Ajuda, 1349-017 Lisboa, Portugal

Contact the author*

Keywords

white wines, longevity, aging potential, sensory conceptual spaces, tasting scripts, mellowed wines

Tags

2ICGWS | ICGWS | ICGWS 2023 | IVES Conference Series

Citation

Related articles…

Grape pomace, an active ingredient at the intestinal level: Updated evidence

Grape pomace (GP) is a winemaking by-product particularly rich in (poly)phenols and dietary fiber, which are the main active compounds responsible for its health-promoting effects. GP-derived products have been proposed to manage cardiovascular risk factors, including endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and obesity. Studies on the potential impact of GP on gut health are much more recent. However, it is suggested that, to some extent, this activity of GP as a cardiometabolic health-promoting ingredient would begin in the gastrointestinal tract as GP components (i.e., (poly)phenols and fiber) undergo extensive catabolism, mainly by the action of the intestinal microbiota, that gives rise to low-molecular-weight bioactive compounds that can be absorbed and utilized by the body.

Crown procyanidin quantification in red wines, rosé wines and Port wines

Condensed grape tannins play a major role in the organoleptic properties and quality of red wine. Recently, a new sub-family of macrocyclic condensed tannins has been identified in red wine and named “crown tannins”. Indeed, the first compound of the family identified and characterised by NMR was the crown procyanidin tetramer which is composed of a macrocyclic structure composed of four (-)-epicatechins link together by B-type interflavanoid linkage in the following an alternative sequences of C4-C8 and C4-C6 linkage. The 3D structure of this unusual crown procyanidin family reveals a central cavity in the molecule [1].

Oenological compatibility of biocontrol yeasts applied to wine grapes 

Antagonistic yeasts applied to wine grapes must be compatible with the thereafter winemaking process, avoiding competition with the fermentative Saccharomyces cerevisiae or affecting wine flavour. Therefore, fifteen epiphytic yeasts (6 Metschnikowia sp., 6 Hanseniaspora uvarum, 3 Starmerella bacillaris) previously selected for its biocontrol ability against Alternaria on wine grapes were evaluate for possible competition with S. cerevisiae by the Niche Overlap Index (NOI) employing YNB agar media with 10 mM of 17 different carbonate sources present in wine grapes (proline, asparagine, alanine, glutamic acid, tirosine, arginine, lisine, methionine, glicine, malic acid, tartaric acid, fructose, melibiose, raffinose, rhamnose, sucrose, glucose).

Phenolic extraction and dissolved oxygen concentration during red wines fermentations with Airmixig M.I.™

During red wine fermentation, the extraction of phenolics compounds and sufficient oxygen provision are critical for wine quality [1,2]. In this trial, we aimed at evaluating the kinetics of phenolic extraction and dissolved oxygen during red wine fermentations using the airmixing system. Twenty lots of red grape musts were fermented in 300.000 L tanks, equipped with airmixing, using two injection regimes (i.e., high and low intensity, and high and low daily frequency). An oxygen analyzer was introduced into the tanks in order to record the concentration of dissolved oxygen over time.

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.