Terroir 2020 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Regional discrimination of shiraz using targeted and non-targeted analytical approaches

Regional discrimination of shiraz using targeted and non-targeted analytical approaches

Abstract

Aims: Shiraz is the most widely cultivated grape variety in Australia, and is grown under a range of viticultural and climatic conditions. Given its importance to the Australian wine sector, a number of studies have been conducted in recent years which involved a comprehensive assessment of grape composition, in order to objectively predict wine quality and style outcomes. It was of interest to reanalyse this compositional database to determine if regional variation in Shiraz composition exists, and if so, to identify analytical approaches which might best discriminate the response of this variety to the unique growing conditions imposed by regional or sub-regional variables. 

Methods and Results: For a preliminary regional study, Shiraz grapes were obtained from multiple geographical indices within South Australia, and analysed for a range of targeted volatile and non-volatile compounds, as well as by non-targeted near- and mid-infrared approaches. Using multivariate modelling, it was found that data generated using both the targeted and non-targeted analytical approaches could discriminate the samples on a regional basis. For a focused study on site diversity within the Barossa Valley, Shiraz grape samples were collected from a number of sub-regions, and from multiple locations within each vineyard (5-10). Grapes were micro-vinified, and grape and wine samples were further analysed for non-volatiles using targeted and non-targeted approaches. Grape samples were also assessed using near- and mid-infrared spectroscopy. It was found using the targeted analytical approach that within-vineyard variability exceeded between-vineyard variation for some measures, preventing discrimination of vineyards or sub-regions using multivariate modelling. However, using the data generated from multiple non-targeted analytical approaches, within-vineyard variation was substantially reduced. This enabled Shiraz vineyards to be clearly defined using a non-targeted ‘chemical fingerprint’ and showed some potential to discriminate the Barossa sub-regions. Mass spectra generated using the non-targeted profiling approach were further assessed, and enabled the identification of grape-derived compounds which were relevant to the sub-regional response. 

Conclusion:

Non-targeted profiling of grapes and wines showed the potential to discriminate geographical indices (region) as well as sites within a region, even though absolute differences in grape composition could be substantial. This indicates that certain aspects of grape chemistry are more sensitive to site- or region-specific variables than others. Further work could seek to identify individual compounds, or classes of compounds, which most consistently define the ‘terroir’ response for the Shiraz grape variety. 

Significance and Impact of the Study: Using the results of this study, new methods could be developed to quantify the relevant grape or wine metabolites identified using the non-targeted approach, in order to apply these more broadly within studies which seek to objectively characterise ‘terroir’.

DOI:

Publication date: March 16, 2021

Issue: Terroir 2020

Type: Video

Authors

Keren Bindon1*, Paul Smith1,2, Dylan Grigg3, Natoiya Lloyd1, Luca Nicolotti1, Jean Macintyre4, Roberta De Bei3, Cassandra Collins3

1The Australian Wine Research Institute, PO Box 197, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia
2Wine Australia, Industry House-National Wine Centre, Cnr Hackney and Botanic Roads, SA 5000, Australia
3The University of Adelaide, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA, 5064, Australia
4Pernod Ricard Winemakers, 1914 Barossa Valley Way, Rowland Flat, SA, 5352, Australia

Contact the author

Keywords

Shiraz, objective measures, grape and wine quality

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2020

Citation

Related articles…

Panorama des actions d’amélioration variétale face aux challenges d’aujourd’hui et de demain, le rôle de l’IFV

In April 2024, the French official catalog includes 449 grape varieties and rootstocks. In 10 years it has been enriched with 70 varieties. It is an indisputable marker of the interest of professionals in genetic resources of all origins and the expectations they have to prepare the viticulture of the future. The scientific community has now put all irons in the fire and is not neglecting any avenue of adaptation. The regular decline in the use of phytosanitary products and the already marked effects of climate change are the targets of varietal improvement.

Recent advances in measuring, estimating, and forecasting grapevine yield and quality

Grapevine yield and fruit quality are two major drivers of input allocation and, ultimately, revenue for grape producers. Because yield and fruit quality vary substantially from year-to-year and within a single block, opportunities exist for optimization via precision management activities that could lead to more profitable and sustainable grape production. Here, we review recent advances in the techniques and technology used to measure, estimate, and forecast grapevine yield and fruit quality. First, we discuss direct “measurement” of yield and quality (i.e. ground-truth data generation), with an emphasis on potential for scalability and automation. Second, we discuss technology and techniques that do not directly measure yield and quality, but use correlated measurements for their estimation.

Vitamins in grape must: let’s lift a corner of the veil

Although vitamins stand as major actors to yeasts prime metabolic pathways, their significance in oenology and winemaking remains rather obscure nowadays, having been mostly unexplored for several decades.

Non Saccharomyces wine yeasts: emerging trends and challenges in winemaking

In the past, the contribution of non-Saccharomyces yeasts in winemaking has always been considered negative for their limited enological attitude if compared with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In recent decades there has been a reevaluation of the role of non-Saccharomyces wine yeasts especially when used in combination and in support with S. cerevisiae (mixed fermentation). In this regard, selected non-Saccharomyces yeasts could be profitable used to give distinctive features, to enhance flavor and aroma complexity and to reduce the ethanol content of wines. Further emerging trends in the use of these yeasts are related to their role as bioprotectants and producers of health promoters compounds.

The Pampa and the vineyard: gaucho´s natural and symbolic aspects in the identity´s constitution of “Vinhos da Campanha”’s terroir – RS/Brasil

The wine region of “Vinhos da Campanha” is located in southern Brazil, on the Uruguay borderline. The colonization’s process in the region was characterized by territorial disputes between Portuguese