Evaluation of the volatile composition and sensory profile of an alcoholic beverage made from grapes and service-tree fruit

Abstract

Market saturation, changing consumer preferences and demand for differentiated products have encouraged the wine sector to explore innovative fermented beverages. Service-tree fruit (Sorbus domestica) is of interest because of its traditional use, bioactive compounds, and aroma precursors. This study characterised the volatile fraction and sensory profile of beverages produced by fermenting Tempranillo grapes with different proportions of service-tree fruit. Crushed fruit was treated with pectinases and yeast, while grapes were destemmed, crushed and pressed to obtain free-run must. During active alcoholic fermentation, the must was mixed with 0, 10, 20, or 30 % service-tree preparation, with three replicates per treatment. Volatile compounds were analysed by SPME-GC-MS, and the beverages underwent descriptive sensory analysis and a hedonic preference test. Increasing the proportion of service-tree fruit produced significantly different volatile and sensory profiles. Volatile acids and aldehydes increased, while ethyl esters and acetates progressively decreased. The 30 % treatment showed a marked increase in higher alcohols, whereas ketones, C13-norisoprenoids, lactones and phenols varied according to the proportion added. Compounds uncommon or absent in wine were also detected and may enrich beverage aroma. The 10 % service-tree beverage was preferred by the tasting panel, demonstrating the potential of this fruit for developing differentiated alcoholic beverages.

References

1. Majić, B., Šola, I., Likić, S., Juranović Cindrić, I., – Rusak, G. (2015). Characterisation of Sorbus domestica L. bark, fruits and seeds: Nutrient composition and antioxidant activity. Food Technology and Biotechnology, 53(4), 463–471.

Acknowledgements

Funded by the Palencia Provincial Council through the “Generating Rural Value in the Province of Palencia: R&D&I Projects 2023” awards. The authors thank Bodega Carreprado for providing the grapes and ITAGRA for providing the service-tree fruit.