Macrowine 2021
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Impact and comprehension of nitrogen and lipid nutrition on the production of fermentative aromas with different S. Cerevisiae yeasts used for spirits

Impact and comprehension of nitrogen and lipid nutrition on the production of fermentative aromas with different S. Cerevisiae yeasts used for spirits

Abstract

In the Cognac appellation, the production of white wines is almost exclusively dedicated to elaborate Charentaise eaux-de-vie. In this sense, the quality of Cognac eaux-de-vie intrinsically depends on the quality of the base wines subjected to the distillation stage. In this context, the production of these base wines differs from those of classic white wines to release particular organoleptic properties during the distillation stage. Thus, the settling stage is one of the stages that most illustrates the identity of Cognac wines. The freshly pressed white grape juice is placed in a settling tank but without the presence of pectolytic enzymes, without sulfiting and for a relatively short period of time, contrary to conventional oenological practices. Under these operating conditions, Cognac musts reach very high turbidities in the order of 500 to 2000 NTU against 150 to 200 NTU in conventional oenology. These Charentais musts, rich in solid particles and therefore in lipids [1], allow to guarantee an organoleptic quality that is both delicate and full of character for future eaux-de-vie. Associated with lipids, nitrogen is a nutrient with a major role in alcoholic fermentation [2] that will also influence the aromatic profile of wines [3] intended for distillation. To understand the impact of these main nutrients on the desired organoleptic quality of Cognac, we studied their influence under natural fermentation conditions with three strains of S. cerevisiae commonly used for the Cognac appellation. To understand the influence of each nutrient and their interaction, an experimental plan called “Central Composite Design” (CCD) was developed. The CCD allows to model the aroma productions from the fermentation conditions. Fermentations were carried out with natural ugni blanc must at 23°C. Assimilable nitrogen concentrations ranged from 115 to 285 mg/L and turbidity from 500 to 2700 NTU. Finally, a statistical analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was also performed to evaluate the strain effect. The main results showed that lipids and assimilable nitrogen have a significant impact on the aromatic quality of Cognac wines. Indeed, high lipids concentrations favor the production of organic acids but inhibit the synthesis of esters. The metabolism of the 3 yeast strains reacts in the same way to changes in nitrogen and lipid nutrition. However, each strain keeps its own aromatic profile whatever the fermentation conditions. This study made it possible to study and model the impact and interaction of two essential nutrients for alcoholic fermentation on the metabolism of yeast in natural conditions with excess lipids. In addition, it should be noted that, even if each strain of the Cognac appellation has its aroma properties, all strains respond in the same way to the variations of nitrogen and lipid nutrition.

DOI:

Publication date: September 7, 2021

Issue: Macrowine 2021

Type: Article

Authors

Charlie Guittin, Faïza, Montpellier Isabelle, Jean-Marie, Jean-Roch, SANCHEZ

UMR SPO, INRAE of Montpellier, MACNA, UMR SPO, INRAE Montpellier, , UMR MISTEA, INRAE Montpellier, SABLAYROLLES, UMR SPO, INRAE Montpellier Xavier, POITOU, Hennessy, Cognac, MOURET, UMR SPO, INRAE Montpellier Vincent, FARINES, UMR SPO, INRAE Montpellier

Contact the author

Keywords

cognac, nitrogen, lipids, centered composite design, alcoholic fermentation, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, metabolism, aromas

Citation

Related articles…

Grape must quality and mesoclimatic variability in Fruška Gora wine-growing region, Serbia

The Fruška Gora mountain is a traditional wine-growing region in Serbia situated in the Pannonian Basin. Due to such a position, the vicinity of the Danube River and the presence of concave configuration, it is suitable for grape production. This paper provides analyses of spatial variations in meteorological parameters and grape juice quality within Fruška Gora wine region over three consecutive vintages (2018-2020). The examined period can be defined as warm with cool nights during September (AVG 18,9°C; GDD 1918°C; CI 12°CF) and with the presence of mesoclimatic variability. The East part of the study area was somewhat drier and hotter compared to other parts of the region. The analyses of grape must samples (190 in total) of five cultivars (Cabernet-Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon blanc and Grašac (Welschriesling)) commonly grown across the region (19 sites), were performed using Fourier Transform Infrared Technology (FTIR). Among all cultivars, Sauvignon blanc was harvested first in the East area (DOY=246±5, GDD at harvest=1552±74, 22.2±0.7 °Brix), while the latest harvest was recorded for Cabernet-Sauvignon in the West (DOY=283±5, GDD at harvest=1936±187, 23.4±1.0 °Brix ). Both the red and white cultivars had higher acidity and YAN in the grape must if the vines were grown in the North and East compared to South and West areas. According to PCA analysis, Grašac showed the lowest variation in grape must chemical composition. Thus, the results confirm that Grašac is the most stable cultivar in Fruška Gora. All monitored cultivars reached technological fruit ripeness by the end of the growing season. However, it was difficult to reach full ripeness of red cultivars, mostly beacuse of uncoupling of technolocical and phenolic ripeness. Thus, Cabernet-Sauvignon had higher variations in GDD sums at harvest compared to other cultivars, which probably increased variations in grape must quality.

A predictive model of spatial Eca variability in the vineyard to support the monitoring of plant status

[lwp_divi_breadcrumbs home_text="IVES" use_before_icon="on" before_icon="||divi||400" module_id="publication-ariane" _builder_version="4.19.4" _module_preset="default" module_text_align="center" module_font_size="16px" text_orientation="center"...

Updating the Winkler index: An analysis of Cabernet sauvignon in Napa Valley’s varied and changing climate

This study aims to create an updated, agile viticultural climate index (similar to the Winkler Index) by performing in-depth analyses of current and historical data from industry partners in several major winegrowing regions. The Winkler Index was developed in the early twentieth century based on analysis of various grape-growing regions in California. The index uses heat accumulation (i.e. Growing Degree Days) throughout the growing season to determine which grape varieties are best suited to each region. As viticultural regions are increasingly subject to the complexity and uncertainty of a changing climate, a more rigorous, agile model is needed to aid grape growers in determining which cultivars to plant where. For the first phase of this study, 21 industry partners throughout Napa Valley shared historical phenology, harvest, viticultural practice, and weather data related to their Cabernet sauvignon vineyard blocks. To complement this data, berry samples were collected throughout the 2021 growing season from 50 vineyard blocks located throughout 16 American Viticultural Areas that were then analyzed for basic berry chemistry and phenolics. These blocks have been mapped using a Geographic Information System (GIS), enabling analysis of altitude, vineyard row orientation, slope, and remotely sensed climate data. Sampling sites were also chosen based on their proximity to a weather station. By analyzing historical data from industry partners and data specifically collected for this study, it is possible to identify key parameters for further analysis. Initial results indicate extreme variability at a high spatial resolution not currently accounted for in modern viticultural climate indices and suggest that viticultural practices play a major role. Using the structure of data collection and analyses developed for the first phase, this project will soon be expanded to other wine regions globally, while continuing data collection in Napa Valley.

Inhibition of Oenococcus oeni during alcoholic fermentation by a selected Lactiplantibacillus plantarum strain

The use of selected cultures of the species Lactiplantibacillus plantarum in Oenology has grown in prominence in recent years. While initial applications of this species centred very much around malolactic fermentation (MLF), there is strong evidence to show that certain strains can be harnessed for their bio-protective effects. Unwanted spontaneous MLF during alcoholic fermentation (AF), driven by rogue Oenococcus oeni, is a winemaking deviation that is very difficult to manage when it occurs. This work set out to determine the efficacy of one particular strain of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum(Viniflora® NoVA™ Protect), against this problem in Cabernet Sauvignon must. The work was carried out at commercial scale and in a winery environment and compared the bio-protective culture with the more traditional approach of reducing must pH by the addition of tartaric acid. The combination of both was also investigated. The concentration of both Oenococcus oeni and Lactiplantibacillus plantarum was determined using qPCR. The adventitious Oenococcus oeni showed the most growth during AF in the control wine, whereas in the wines treated with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum a bacteriostatic effect against this species was observed. This effect was comparable to the wines treated with tartaric acid. This has particular commercial relevance for controlling the flora in musts with high pH, or when the addition of tartaric acid is either not permitted or is prohibitive for other reasons.

Extreme canopy management for vineyard adaptation to climate change: is it a good idea?

Climate change constitutes an enormous challenge for humankind and for all human activities, viticulture not being an exception. Long-term strategic changes are probably needed the most, but growers also need to deal with short-term changes: summers that are getting progressively warmer, earlier harvest dates and higher pH in musts and wines. In the last 10-15 years, a relevant corpus of research is being developed worldwide in order to evaluate to which extent extreme canopy management operations, aimed at reducing leaf area and, thus, limiting the source to sink ratio, could be useful to delay ripening. Although extreme canopy management can result in relevant delays in harvest dates, longer term studies, as well as detailed analysis of their implications on carbohydrate reserves, bud fertility and future yield are desirable before these practices can be recommended.