Macrowine 2021
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 The use of fluorescence spectroscopy to develop a variability index and measure grape heterogeneity

The use of fluorescence spectroscopy to develop a variability index and measure grape heterogeneity

Abstract

AIM This work aims to investigate fluorescence spectroscopy as a tool to assess grape homogenates to discriminate between samples of varying maturities and to develop an index to objectively characterise the level of grape heterogeneity present in any given vineyard.

METHODS Cabernet-Sauvignon grape bunches were sampled every ten days from veraison through to harvest from the Coonawarra Geographical Indication of South Australia in 2020. After sorting into maturity classes using density baths,1 berries were homogenised and an Aqualog spectrophotometer was used to record the excitation emission matrix (EEM)2 of each maturity class at each sample date. The pre-processed EEM data underwent parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) to identify the relevant fluorescence regions that discriminated samples based on maturity. The grape homogenate EEM dataset was then used to formulate a variability index.

RESULTS Chlorophyll and anthocyanin fluorescence signals were identified from EEM data at excitation wavelengths in the range 250 – 700 nm and emission wavelengths between 400 – 800 nm in grape homogenate samples using PARAFAC. Discrimination between samples depending on maturity was achieved using PARAFAC. The variability index was calculated and levels of grape heterogeneity were quantified.

CONCLUSIONS

This work demonstrated the possibility of using grape homogenate EEM data, particularly in the region of chlorophyll and anthocyanin fluorescence, to objectively measure grape heterogeneity by developing a variability index. Grape heterogeneity has been shown to impact Cabernet-Sauvignon wine chemical profile and sensory characteristics.3 Therefore, a tool to analyse grape heterogeneity within a winery could aid viticultural and winemaking decisions to achieve wines of targeted quality and style.

DOI:

Publication date: September 7, 2021

Issue: Macrowine 2021

Type: Article

Authors

Claire Armstrong 

Australian Research Council Training Centre for Innovative Wine Production, The University of Adelaide. ,Adam GILMORE, HORIBA Instruments Inc., Piscataway, United States. Paul BOSS, CSIRO Agriculture and Food and Australian Research Council Training Centre for Innovative Wine Production, The University of Adelaide.  Vinay PAGAY, Australian Research Council Training Centre for Innovative Wine Production, The University of Adelaide. David JEFFERY, Australian Research Council Training Centre for Innovative Wine Production, The University of Adelaide.

Contact the author

Keywords

chemometrics, colour, grape maturity, parafac, vineyard variability

Citation

Related articles…

Varietal differences between Shiraz and Cabernet sauvignon wines revealed by yeast metabolism

This study investigated if compositional differences between Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon grape varieties could influence the production of yeast-derived compounds. This work was based on the analysis of 40 experimental red wines made in triplicate fermentations from grapes harvested from two consecutive vintages in New South Wales (Australia). Grapes were picked at three maturity stages using berry sugar accumulation as physiological indicator, from nine commercial vineyards located in three different climatic regions (temperate, temperate-warm and warm-hot). A range of 30 yeast-derived wine volatiles including esters and alcohols were quantified by HS/SPME-GC/MS. Ammonia, amino-acids and lipids were analysed in the corresponding grapes. The juice total soluble solids (°Brix) in addition to the wine alcohol and residual sugar levels were also measured. The influence of grape maturity on wine ester composition was also variety dependent, particularly for higher alcohol acetate and ethyl ester of branched acids. This study highlights that varietal differences observed in Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon wines involve fermentation-derived compounds irrespective of the site (soil, climate, viticultural practices).

Yeast mannoprotein characterization and their effect on Oenococcus oeni and malolactic fermentation

Mannoproteins are released at the end of alcoholic fermentation due to yeast autolysis [1]. It has been described a positive effect of these molecules on lactic acid bacteria growth [2]. The main objective of this work was the characterization of different mannoproteins extracted from active dry yeast (ADY) and the assessment of their effect on Oenococcus oeni and malolactic fermentation (MLF).

Wine by-products valorisation by green chemistry methods: Impact of the extraction process on the structure, functionalities and activity of the extracted molecules

Wine by-products valorisation by green chemistry methods: Impact of the extraction process on the structure, functionalities and activity of the extracted molecules

Exploring physiological diversity in Vitis genotypes: hydraulic traits in vines for oenological purposes and vines for table grapes

to maintain viticulture under global warming conditions, it is important to carefully select the appropriate genotypes for each vine-growing region and develop cultivars that are drought resistant. this ability is highly dependent on hydraulic traits, which are dynamic and vary according to the vine’s developmental stage and climatic conditions. this framework steadily enhances our understanding of the differences in drought resistance among vitis genotypes. however, there is still a need to comprehensively grasp the intra-specific variability, particularly between oenological and table grape cultivars.

UNRAVELLING THE ROLE OF LACTIC ACID BACTERIA ON SPARKLING WINE ELABORATION THROUGH METABOLOMICS APPROACH

Xinomavro is a red grape variety from Northern Greece (Protected Designation of Origin), known for the nice acidities, perfectly appropriate for sparkling wine production (Rosé and Blanc de Noir). The elabo- ration of sparkling wine requires technical as well as scientific skills. Although the impact of the yeast strains and their metabolites on the final product quality is well documented, the action of bacteria still remains unknown.
The present work focuses (i) on the population diversity of lactic acid bacteria isolated from sparkling wines and (ii) on the technological effect of the species during sparkling wine elaboration.