Terroir 2020 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Sensory profiles of Shiraz wine from six Barossa sub-regions: a comparison between industry scale and standardised small lot research wine making

Sensory profiles of Shiraz wine from six Barossa sub-regions: a comparison between industry scale and standardised small lot research wine making

Abstract

Aims: The Barossa wine region in South Australia comprises six sub-regions and is renowned for its Shiraz wines. However, there is no comprehensive documentation of the distinctive sensory characteristics of wines from these sub-regions.

Methods and Results: Shiraz wines from the six Barossa sub-regions (Central Grounds, Eastern Edge, Northern Grounds, Southern Grounds, Western Ridge and Eden Valley) were evaluated blind and in duplicate using descriptive sensory analysis by a highly trained panel of 12 experienced tasters. Evaluated wines were made with either standardised small lot winemaking (40L ferments, 2018 n= 69, 2019 n=72) or commercially produced (2018 n=44, 2019 n=76). Wine samples for sensory analysis were collected directly after completing malolactic fermentation and before maturation in oak or blending. Each vintage, the two sample sets were evaluated consecutively by the same panel, small lot wines followed directly by the commercially produced samples.

Results of the canonical variate analysis showed that wines from Eden Valley were consistently characterised as being more savoury (meaty, broth) compared to the other five sub-regions, for both vintages and production methods. Unlike their industry scale counterparts, research wines from the Western Ridge sub-region were characterised as more tannic (astringent, rough) for both vintages. Less consistent separation was observed for the other four sub-regions, with wines generally being described as fruit forward, with intense dark and red fruit.

Conclusions: 

Sensory profiles of Shiraz wines from the six Barossa sub-regions revealed a small number of consistent sub-regional characteristics for both standardised and industry scale wine samples across the two vintages.

Significance and Impact of the Study: Detailed sensory profiles for research and industry scale wine can provide valuable information for producers to best showcase wine sub-regional characteristics for marketing/promotional purposes. Next, sensory profile findings will be analysed along with soil, climate, berry and wine composition data as well as information on viticultural practices in an attempt to explain sub-regional differences and identify drivers of regionality.

DOI:

Publication date: March 17, 2021

Issue: Terroir 2020

Type: Video

Keywords

Sensory profiling, typicity, descriptive analysis, regionality, red wine

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2020

Citation

Related articles…

First results on the chemical composition of red wines from the pressing of marc

In the Bordeaux vineyards, press wine represents approximately 15% of the total volume of wine produced[1]. Valuing this large volume of wine is necessary from an economic point of view, but also because of their organoleptic contribution to the blend, and their contribution to the construction of wines for laying down. Therefore, this study was developed considering the lack of recent scientific knowledge on the composition of red press wines. The aim of this study is to establish an initial assessment of their chemical composition including aromatic compounds and a phenolic part.

Caracterización sensorial preliminar de los vinos tintos de la Isla de Tenerife (Islas Canarias, España)

En la isla de Tenerife (Islas Canarias, Espafia) existen cinco Denominaciones de Origen (D.O.) con una superficie inscrita aproximada de 5.000 hectareas. Actualmente existen 94 bodegas

The effect of Nitrogen and Sulphur foliar applications in hot climates

ine nitrogen deficiency can negatively influence the aroma profile and ageing potential of white wines. Canopy management can alter vine microclimate, affect the nitrogen availability and influence the response of leaf senescence. Increasing the nitrogen availability to vines can increase the Yeast Assimilable Nitrogen (YAN) levels in harvested fruit and wine. Studies show that foliar nitrogen and sulphur applications at véraison, on low YAN Sauvignon blanc grapes have an effect on the level of amino acids (Jreij et al. 2009) and on S-containing compounds such as glutathione and thiols (Lacroux et al. 2008), which in turn can influence the formation of major volatiles and the aroma profile of the wine.

OENOLOGICAL STRATEGIES FOR THE REMOVAL OF PINKING IN WHITE WINE

The pinking of in white wine is the turning of color from yellow to salmon hue. White wines obtained from certain grape varieties (e.g. Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc, Riesling, Trebbiano di Lugana) showed to be susceptible to pinking [1] that has been evaluated by an assay providing the addition of hydrogen peroxide. Even if its appearance does not seem to affect the sensory properties [2], strategies are necessary for its removal. Nowadays, the treatment with polyvinylpolipirroline (PVPP) was reported to significantly decrease the pink color [3].

Wines produces without SO2 addition: which impact on their colour? An approach at the global and pigments levels

Since the 18th century, sulfur dioxide (SO2) is used in winemaking. Added at different steps, its antimicrobial but also antioxidasic and antioxidant properties are very helpful for winemakers. Nevertheless sulfur dioxide has a real potential health impact, particularly for sensitive consumers often highlighted by hygienists. Nowadays, a serious trend for “natural” wines (i.e. produced without any additives), as described by their producers, could be observed on the French market what match with a proliferation of wines elaborated without any sulfite addition.