Evolution of grape aromatic composition in cv. Ugni blanc

Abstract

AIM: Cognac is a protected appellation of origin where world-famous brandies are produced. These brandies are obtained by the traditional double distillation of wines from Ugni blanc cultivar, which is the main variety planted. According to the Cognac Appellation, harvest can occur between 13 & 21 °Brix. To date the harvest is assessed by vine growers only by sugar & acidity ripeness without considering the evolution of the aromatic profile. Hence, the goal of this research is to study the behavior of the main volatile compounds of grapes in order to better conduct the harvest.

METHODS: Two vineyard plots during two consecutive vintages (2019, 2020) were used to collect different fractions of 30 whole bunches. The samples were collected every week from pea-size to over ripeness (>21 °Brix) and then were stored at – 40°C until further analysis. Berries were grounded according to the protocol as described in Poitou, 2016. Grape powder were obtained and then analyzed for free & total volatiles by SPME-GC/MS (Young et al. 2015 ; Poitou, 2016). Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted on the means of all significantly different parameters to elucidate the differences between grapes according to the maturity stage (Agilent MassProfiler Pro).

RESULTS: The kinetics of the volatile compounds during maturation showed strong variations with multiple trends depending the stage. Linear increase (e.g β-damascenone) or decrease (e.g p-cymene) of volatiles and a peak for cis-3-hexenol at véraison were found. Similarly to previous studies (Poitou, 2016 ; Ferrari et al. 2012), aromatic compounds were found to exhibit the same pattern. According to Rosillo et al. 1999, Ugni blanc & Chardonnay presents similar aromatic properties with low concentration of monoterpenes. Finally, the analysis of total volatiles showed the presence of newly identified terpenes in Ugni blanc grapes.

CONCLUSION

These results gave new insights for Ugni blanc aromatic characterization. Identification of terpenes with the total volatile method concludes that they are in their glycosylated form in grapes. Thus, they may be released during fermentation or distillation and participate to the aromatic complexity of wine distillates. With climate change, sugar concentration is expected to increase and will decouple sugar/acidity balance and the aromatic maturity. Therefore, understanding the aromatic maturity of Ugni Blanc will help growers to adapt their harvest date.

DOI:

Publication date: September 2, 2021

Issue: Macrowine 2021

Type: Article

Authors

Amandine Bernier

Jas Hennessy & Co, rue de la Richonne – CS20020, 16101 Cognac Cedex, France,Julia, GOUOT, Unité de recherche Œnologie, EA 4577, USC 1366 INRA, ISVV, Université de Bordeaux, F33882 Villenave d’Ornon, France  Adeline, BARREAU, Jas Hennessy & Co, rue de la Richonne – CS20020, 16101 Cognac Cedex, France  Panagiotis, STAMATOPOULOS, Jas Hennessy & Co, rue de la Richonne – CS20020, 16101 Cognac Cedex, France  Xavier POITOU, Jas Hennessy & Co, rue de la Richonne – CS20020, 16101 Cognac Cedex, France

Contact the author

Keywords

aromatic potential, berry composition, maturity, ugni blanc

Citation

Related articles…

Mapping and tracking canopy size with VitiCanopy

Understanding vineyard variability to target management strategies, apply inputs efficiently and deliver consistent grape quality to the winery is essential. However, despite inherent vineyard variability, the majority are managed as if they are uniform. VitiCanopy is a simple, grower-friendly tool for precision/digital viticulture that allows users to collect and interpret objective spatial information about vineyard performance. After four years of field and market research, an upgraded VitiCanopy has been created to achieve a more streamlined, technology-assisted vine monitoring tool that provides users with a set of superior new features, which could significantly improve the way users monitor their grapevines. These new features include:
• New user interface
• User authentication
• Batch analysis of multiple images
• Ease the learning curve through enhanced help features
• Reporting via the creation of colour maps that will allow users to assess the spatial differences in canopies within a vineyard.
Use-case examples are presented to demonstrate the quantification and mapping of vineyard variability through objective canopy measurements, ground-truthing of remotely sensed measurements, monitoring of crop conditions, implementation of disease and water management decisions as well as creating a history of each site to forecast quality. This intelligent tool allows users to manage grapevines and make informed management choices to achieve the desired production targets and remain profitable.

Assessing macro-elements contents in vine leaves and grape berries of Vitis vinifera using near-infrared spectroscopy coupled with chemometrics

The cultivated vine (Vitis vinifera) is the main species cultivated in the world to make wine. In 2017, the world wine market represents 29 billion euros in exports, and France contributes 8.2 billion (28%) to this trade, making it a traditional market of strategic importance. Viticulture is therefore a key sector of the French agricultural economy. It is in this context that the nutritional diagnosis of the vine is of real strategic interest to winegrowers. Indeed, the fertilization of the vine is a tool for the winegrower that allows him to influence and regulate the quality of the wine.

Sensory characterisation and consumer perspectives of Australian Cabernet Sauvignon wine typicity

Aim: To identify the sensory attributes responsible for the typicity of Cabernet Sauvignon wines from three Australian Geographical Indications (GIs) and to explore consumer purchase behaviour and preference with regard to regional wines.

Metabolomics of grape polyphenols as a consequence of post-harvest drying: on-plant dehydration vs warehouse withering

A method of suspect screening analysis to study grape metabolomics, was developed [1]. By performing ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) – high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) analysis of the grape extract, averaging 320-450 putative grape compounds are identified which include mainly polyphenols. Identification of metabolites is performed by a new HRMS-database of putative grape and wine compounds expressly constructed (GrapeMetabolomics) which currently includes around 1,100 entries.

Yield prediction assessment before bloom and at veraison in a cv. Airén high yielding vineyard in Toledo (La Mancha, Spain)

Anticipation in the possible responses of grapevines to environmental variations is key to adjust field work in view of a more effective management. This idea has been the driving force behind the current work, which seeks to understand the interaction patterns of the vine with its habitat throughout the growing cycle.