Mining microbiome data to identify antagonists of grapevine downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola)

Not only vintner’s decisions in the vineyard, but also winemaker’s choices of technology approaches in the cellar play a significant role in the final wine style and quality. Whereas traditional technologies within chosen terroir are quite well explored and thus somehow predictable, there is no proper knowledge available on possible outcomes in case of implementing novel, alternative winemaking strategies. To reveal their effects on wine aroma compounds and sensory characteristics, two alternative strategies
(cryoextraction or addition of whole grape berries during last stages of fermentation) were compared to classical Vipava valley winemaking approach as normally used for an autochthonous variety Zelen. After separate vinification and bottling, all the experimental wines were subjected to semiquantitative metabolic profiling of volatile compounds (VOCs) by means of GC/MS and were then also sensorialy evaluated by pre-trained panel.

Phenolic acids are phytochemicals that are expansively distributed in daily food intake. Phenolic acids are involved in various physiological activities, such as nutrient uptake, enzyme activity, protein synthesis, photosynthesis, and cytoskeleton structure in seeds, leaves, roots, and stems. Also exhibit antibacterial, antiviral, anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory activities due to their antioxidant property.

Aims: Most consumer research about terroir has focused on wine, particularly with French or other European wine drinkers, rather than those in the Anglo-Saxon world. In Europe, whilst there is no agreement amongst consumers as to what terroir actually is, there is a general recognition of the word and an acceptance that it represents something important

The wine industry is undergoing profound changes. Climate change, evolving pest pressure, and shifting oenological practices – notably the reduction of SO2 and increasing pH levels – are creating an environment conducive to the emergence of contaminating molecules and organoleptic defects.

Yeasts of the genus Brettanomyces are known for their ability to alter wine aroma profiles, primarily through the production of specific phenolic compounds that are now well characterized (1).