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…

Effect of soil texture on early bud burst

Notre objectif est d’étudier de façon précise les relations entre la physiologie de la vigne et le sol, en prenant en compte l’effet millésime. Nous avons plus précisément étudier la précocité de débourrement de la vigne (stade D) en fonction de la texture du sol et plus particulièrement de la teneur en éléments grossiers.

ACCUMULATION OF GRAPE METABOLITES IS DIFFERENTLY IMPACTED BY WATER DEFICIT AT THE BERRY AND PLANT LEVELS IN NEW FUNGUS DISEASE-TOLERANT GENOTYPES

The use of new fungus disease-tolerant varieties is a promising long-term solution to better manage chemical input in viticulture, but unfortunately little is known regarding these new hybrids fruit development and metabolites accumulation in front of abiotic stresses such as water deficit (WD). Thus, prior to the adoption of such varieties by the wine industry in Mediterranean regions, there is a need to consider their suitability to WD.

The chain of effects between sunburn necroses and rot infestation in the context of climate change

Climate change will increasingly challenge future viticulture due to long-enduring and extreme weather conditions, jeopardizing yield and wine quality in various ways.

The use of cation exchange resins for wine acidity adjustment: Optimization of the process and the effects on tartrate formation and oxidative stability

Acidity adjustments are key to microbial control, sensory quality and wine longevity. Acidification with cation exchange resins -in acid cycle- offers the possibility to reduce the pH by exchanging wine cations, such as potassium (K+), for hydrogen ions (H+). During the exchange process, the removal of potassium and calcium ions contributes to limiting the formation of tartrate salts, thus offering an alternative solution to conventional methods for tartrate stability. Moreover, the reduction of wine pH and the removal of metals catalyzers (e.g. iron) could positively impact the wine’s oxidative stability. Therefore, the aims of this work were (a) to optimize the ion exchange process by testing different volumes and concentrations of sulfuric acid (H2SO4) during the acid cycle, (b) evaluate the effects of the ion exchange process on the formation of tartrate salts, and (c) analyze the oxidative stability of the treated wines.

Les activités peroxidasiques du raisin de quelques cépages de Roumanie

Les enzymes d’oxydation (polyphénoloxydase, peroxydase) des raisins sont d’origine génétique dépendantes des facteurs climatiques et agrotechniques (Sapis et al, 1983). Dans le processus technologique de l’obtention du moût de raisins, ces enzymes catalysent l’oxydation de certains composés phénoliques naturellement présents dans le raisin, produisant ainsi des modifications indésirables de la couleur et de l’arôme du vin.