Anthocyanins, flavonols and flavanols of Vitis vinifera L. cv Syrah wines as affected by row orientation and ripeness levels

Abstract

In this study results of the effect of different row orientations and ripeness levels on the wine chemical composition of Syrah (Vitis vinifera L.) are presented. Wines from grapes harvested from four different row orientations (NS, EW, NE-SW, NW-SE) and three different ripeness levels (22°B, 24°B, 26°B) were analysed for their polyphenol content. Anthocyanins proved highest in wines from grapes from the NE-SW and NW-SE rows at 22°B. Results of individual anthocyanins showed that wines from grapes harvested from the NE-SW and NW-SE row orientations at 22°B and 24°B, respectively, had higher levels of malvidin 3-O-glucoside, peonidin glucoside acetate and petunidin glucoside acetate, compared to wines from grapes harvested from the NS and EW row orientations. Wines made from grapes harvested from the NS and EW row orientations with a ripeness level of 22°B and 26°B proved to be higher in flavanol levels, compared to wines made from grapes harvested from the NE-SW and NW-SE orientations. This study contributes to information on the phenolic composition of young Syrah wines and the implications of row orientation and ripeness level. The findings point the way to controlling flavonoid levels in wine through vineyard practices.