Macrowine 2021
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 The aroma diversity of italian white wines

The aroma diversity of italian white wines

Abstract

AIM: Aroma is a key contributor to white wines sensory typicality, perceived diversity and overall preference. Italy produces dry still white wines from native grape varieties and geographically defined areas, representing different grapegrowing, winemaking and cultural heritages. The related chemical and sensory elements, the relevant pathways and variables, and the factors associated with their olfactive perception are in large part not known. Altogether, this limits the implementation of production and marketing strategies truly based on the specificity of Italian white wines, with reduced competitiveness and sustainability. The aim of this project is to provide, by means of chemical and sensory approaches, a comprehensive characterization of the chemosensory diversity of Italian white wines.

METHODS: The project will focus on wines of the following appellations/varieties: Arneis, Albana, Erbaluce, Falanghina Fiano, Garganega, Greco di Tufo, Lugana, Nosiola, Pinot Grigio, Ribolla, Traminer aromatico, Trebbiano d’Abruzzo Verdicchio, Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Vermentino. Samples will be collected directly from wineries. About 20 wines will be collected for each appellation/variety. Analyses will include GC-MS and GC-O for the identification and quantification of the most potent impact odorants of each wine type, HPLC, SDS-PAGE, and UV-Vis for the quantification of non-volatile components, E-nose untargeted fast profiling of wine volatile composition, sensory evaluation by means of both rapid and descriptive methodologies. The main pathways of formation of the most relevant aroma compounds will be investigated, as well as their interactions with non-volatile components. Chemoperception mechanisms of selected key odorants will also be studied at the level of receptor-ligand interactions.

RESULTS: The chemical and sensory drivers of Italian white wine intrinsic and perceived diversity will be established, enabling optimized management of winemaking procedures, sustainable long-term strategies for geographical indication protection, tailored marketing and consumers response strategies and preferences. 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

 This project is funded by Italian Ministry of Education and Research (MIUR), PRIN 2017.

DOI:

Publication date: September 10, 2021

Issue: Macrowine 2021

Type: Article

Authors

Maurizio Ugliano 

University of Verona, Italy,Matteo MARANGON, University of Padova, Italy Fulvio MATTIVI, University of Trento, Italy Giuseppina Paola PARPINELLO, University of Bologna, Italy Paola PIOMBINO, University of Naples, Italy Luca ROLLE, University of Turin, Italy

Contact the author

Keywords

italian white wines, aroma

Citation

Related articles…

Metabolomic insights into wine’s sensory identity: unveiling climate-driven changes in aroma composition

Wine, a sensitive and intricate agricultural product, is being affected by climate change, which accelerates grapevine phenological stages and alters grape composition and ripening. This influences the synthesis of key aroma compounds, shaping wine’s sensory attributes [1]. The complex aroma profile, resulting from compound interactions, presents a metabolomics challenge to identify these indicators and their environmental change responses, which is being addressed using diverse analytical techniques.

Isolation, biofilm formation and control of the wine spoilage yeast Brettanomyces bruxellensis

Brettanomyces bruxellensis, commonly referred to as “Brett,” is one of the most notorious microorganisms implicated in wine spoilage. This yeast species has developed a noteworthy resistance to sulfur dioxide, a widely used preservative in winemaking, prompting the wine industry to seek new antimicrobial agents.

Assessing the potential of fermentative skin contact in white winemaking on phenolic, colour, and sensory traits

Fermentative maceration in white wine production, involving extended contact with grape skins and seeds, has gained interest in recent years. The impact of this winemaking technique on wine composition and sensory properties remains underexplored.

Preserving wine typicity in a climate change scenario: Examples from the Willamette Valley, Oregon

Aims: Wine typicity is defined as a reflection of varietal origins, cultures and traditions of the wine. These aspects are many times also extremely important when considering a wines quality. However, as climate change occurs the typicity of wines may also change. With the long history of winemaking it is possible to define a wines typicity and how it has changed as climate alters. 

Exploring the inhibitor effect of different commercial chitosan-based preparations on malolactic fermentation in rosé wine

Chitosan is a natural polymer of β-D-linked N-acetyl-D-glucosamine units (1,2), that has only recently been approved by OIV for its use in winemaking to help with microbial control, metal chelation, clarification, and reducing contaminants.