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…

The ability of wine yeasts fermenting by the addition of exogenous biotin

Research is focused on the increase of the field of obtaining the wine yeast, under physical and chemical conditions. Study of different influences on yeast production is very important for the promotion

MAPPING THE CONCENTRATIONS OF GASEOUS ETHANOL IN THE HEADSPACE OF CHAMPAGNE GLASSES THROUGH INFRARED LASER ABSORPTION SPECTROSCOPY

Under standard wine tasting conditions, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) responsible for the wine’s bouquet progressively invade the glass headspace above the wine surface. Most of wines being complex water/ethanol mixtures (with typically 10-15 % ethanol by volume), gaseous ethanol is therefore undoubtedly the most abundant VOC in the glass headspace [1]. Yet, gaseous ethanol is known to have a multimodal influence on wine’s perception [2]. Of particular importance to flavor perception is the effect of ethanol on the release of aroma compounds into the headspace of the beverage [1].

Response of different nitrogen supplementation on Saccharomyces cerevisiae metabolic response and wine aromatic profile

The wine yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae can highly affect wine aromatic profile by producing and/or mediating the release of a whole range of metabolites (such as thiols, esters, and terpenes), which in turn contribute to enhanced aroma and flavor. These metabolites depend on yeast metabolism activated during fermentation which can constitute the ‘’metabolic footprint’’ of the yeast strain that carried out the process.

IMPACT OF CLIMATIC CONDITIONS ON THE SEASONING QUALITY OF OAK WOOD FOR OENOLOGICAL USE (QUERCUS PETRAEA)

For coopers, seasoning and toasting are considered crucial steps in barrel making during which the oak wood develops specific organoleptic properties. Seasoning, carried out in the open air, allows reducing the moisture content of the staves to between 14 and 18% (compared to 70 to 90% after splitting) while modulating the intrinsic composition of the oak wood. Toasting consists of applying different degrees of heat to a barrel for a specific period of time. As the temperature increases, oak wood produces a wide range of chemical compounds through thermal degradation of its intrinsic composition.

Insulative effects of vine shelters may impact growth potential and cold hardiness of young vines

Context and purpose of the study. The seasons immediately following planting are key growth stages where young vines are particularly susceptible to various forms of damage.