VviSOC1a and VviAG1 act antagonistically in the regulation of flower formation

During wine production process high attention to the microbiological control from fermentation of the grape must to bottling is necessary. In fact, control of the indigenous microflora of the grape ensures correct fermentation activity of the inoculated starter, while control of the microorganisms in the finished wine is essential to prevent wine spoilage and to ensure the dominance of the desired bacteria when malolactic fermentation is required (Mas and Portillo, 2022).

The chemical mechanisms involved in oxidation/reduction potential of wine during winemaking and aging are affecting its color, aroma and taste. Chemical oxidation is one of the major causes of development of off-flavors during ageing1. Thus, the chemical changes in wine during storage should be controlled to ensure the sensory quality of the product and avoid consumer rejection that will compromise the economic value of the product. The 1-hydroxyethyl radical has been recognized as the key radical intermediate in the oxidative reactions in wine2. Based on the kinetic study of POBN-1-hydroxyethyl spin adduct formation in wines initiated via the Fenton reaction, a novel tool was recently developed in our laboratory to quantify the resistance of wines against oxidation3.

Reductive wine fault is characterized by the presence of odors such as rotten eggs or spoiled camembert cheese, originating from hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and methanethiol (MeSH) [1]. These compounds stabilize in polysulfide forms, creating a complex pool of precursors that will revert to both molecules when the environment becomes anoxic [2].

Wine is at risk of being labelled as a dangerous health product, based on studies that focus on its alcohol content. However, multiple studies suggest that moderate consumption is healthy. Changing the focus from health impacts to the environmental and socioeconomic impacts that wine companies cause, what can be said?

In this video recording of the IVES science meeting 2023, Fernando Zamora (Department of biochemistry and biotechnology, Faculty of oenology, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Spain) speaks about the effects of using cationic exchange for reducing pH on the composition and quality of sparkling wine. This presentation is based on an original article accessible for free on OENO One.