Terroir 2020 banner
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Chemical boundaries of wine identity: rationalizing grape and wine aroma diversity for improved terroir management

Chemical boundaries of wine identity: rationalizing grape and wine aroma diversity for improved terroir management

Abstract

Aims: Wine perceived quality lies on a number of different factors. Among these, sensory features, which are in turn dependent on chemical composition, play a primary role. There is traditionally a great emphasis on producing wines that have specific sensory profiles, particularly aroma, that reflect identity features connected to the place and the variety of origin. In the case of high quality wines there is also an expectation for enhances longevity. In this paper, we examine the main chemical drivers of wine geographical identity, its relationship with longevity and the (bio)chemical processes leading to their occurrence in wine. 

Methods and Results: results from different studies are covered, highlighting the importance of understanding the aroma chemical fingerprint of individual wine types in order to manage regional identity/terroir/cru expression accordingly. The contribution of different volatiles to the expression of typical aroma attributes is defined. 

Conclusions:

based on existing knowledge, the possibility to rationalize viticultural and winemaking practices to enhance the expression of aroma-relevant terroir features is limited to a restricted number of grape varieties. For most of the wines produced globally this process is still based on anectodal observations.

Significance and Impact of the Study: aroma chemical components to specific aroma attributes reflecting geographical identity and terroir are identified, in particular for different Italian wines.

DOI:

Publication date: March 25, 2021

Issue: Terroir 2020

Type : Video

Authors

Maurizio Ugliano*, Davide Slaghenaufi, Giovanni Luzzini, Jessica Samaniego Solis

Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, via della Pieve, 70, 37029 San Pietro in Cariano (VR), Italy

Contact the author

Keywords

Wine aroma, geographical identity, terroir, terpenes, norisoprenoids, volatile sulfur compounds

Tags

IVES Conference Series | Terroir 2020

Citation

Related articles…

Varietal volatile patterns of Italian white wines

Aroma diversity is one of the most important features in the expression of the varietal and geographic identity and sensory uniqueness of a wine. Italy has one of the largest ampelographic heritages of the world, with more than five hundred different varieties. Among them, many are used for the production of dry still white wines, many classified as Protected Designation of Origins and therefore produced in specific geographical areas with well-defined grape varieties. Chemical and sensory characteristics of the aroma of these wines have never been systematically studied, and the relative diversity has never been described and classified.

Étude intégrée et allégée des terroirs viticoles en Anjou: caractérisation et zonage de l’unité terroir de base, en relation avec une enquête parcellaire

The terroir concept is presented as the basis of the A.O.C system, in the french vineyards. The “Anjou terroirs” programme aims at bringing the necessary scientific basisfor a rational and reasoned exploitation of the terroir. lt must lead to finalizing a lighter, more relevant integrated method of characterisation wich could be generally applied.

Application of GiESCO “bio-metaethics” charter in practice: the “direct” involvement of vine grower, winemaker, society

On the basis of a direct agreement between the GiESCO and the vine grower, the winemaker and the consumers (individual; company; public or private organizations), the communication on the content of the charter can be done as follows:
• Commitment to respect the basic rules of the GiESCO “BIO – MetaEthics” charter.
1/ Put Mankind in the depth of all concerns in a universal context: (grower, consumer, citizen, work valuing, education, security)
2/ Insure minimum impact on environment by optimizing cultivation technics: (maximum of natural biodegradable products, friendly practices, short channels, renewable energies, terroir sustainability)

Unveiling the Grapevine Red Blotch Virus (GRBV) host-pathogen arms-race via multi-omics for enhanced viral defense 

The Grapevine Red Blotch Virus (GRBV) poses a critical challenge to the wine sector, lacking a uniquely identified vector. Current control methods involve costly and labor-intensive vine removal, emphasizing the urgency for targeted alternatives. The limited understanding of intricate host-virus interactions underscores the need for foundational knowledge to develop innovative disease control strategies. These include efforts to boost the plant’s RNA interference (RNAi) response, including RNA-based topical applications.

Meso-scale geostatistical analysis: a method for improving experimental design

The growing region of Barolo DOCG certified wines is topographically complex. The region is famous for this complexity and for the associated terroir driven Nebbiolo grapes and wines derived distinctly from this varietal. Although it is recognized that the Barolo area is unusual topographically and it is assumed that this unusual topography lends to the inherit terroir, the specifics of this relationship are less well defined.