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…

METAPIWI: unveiling the role of microbial communities in PIWI grapes for sustainable winemaking

The METAPIWI project advances viticulture research by examining microbial communities in PIWI (fungus-resistant) grapevines compared to traditional Vitis vinifera. It investigates how these microbes influence spontaneous fermentation and the production of distinct metabolites and aromas.

Phylloxera root infection drives vineyard water

Most of the rootstocks used in viticulture today are partly resistant against grape phylloxera (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae Fitch) and host phylloxera on the root system without conspicuous negative impacts on fruit production).

Non Saccharomyces wine yeasts: emerging trends and challenges in winemaking

In the past, the contribution of non-Saccharomyces yeasts in winemaking has always been considered negative for their limited enological attitude if compared with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In recent decades there has been a reevaluation of the role of non-Saccharomyces wine yeasts especially when used in combination and in support with S. cerevisiae (mixed fermentation). In this regard, selected non-Saccharomyces yeasts could be profitable used to give distinctive features, to enhance flavor and aroma complexity and to reduce the ethanol content of wines. Further emerging trends in the use of these yeasts are related to their role as bioprotectants and producers of health promoters compounds.

ENRICHMENT OF THE OENOLOGICAL MALDI-TOF/MS PROTEIN SPECTRA DATABASE FOR RELIABLE OENOLOGICAL YEAST AND BACTERIA IDENTIFICATION

The Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization–Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) technology is commonly used in food and medical sector to identify yeast or bacteria species isolated from a nutritive culture media. Since a decade, brewery and oenology industries have been attracted to this method which combines fast analysis times, reliability and low cost of analysis. Briefly, this method is based on the comparison of the MALDI-TOF/MS protein spectra of an isolated colony of yeast or bacteria with those contain in a manufacturer’s reference protein spectra database. Initiated in 2015, the creation of the first oenological mass spectra database has proved to be essential for increase quality of species identification.

The weak role of organic mulches in shaping bacterial communities in grapevine

The interest in sustainable and ecologic agricultural practices in grapevine has grown significantly in recent years in the context of ecological transition. Organic mulches are treatments that support the circular economy and positively affect the soil and the plant. They are an alternative to herbicides and other conventional practices since they may influence soil moisture, erosion, structure and weed control. However, their effects on the soil and must microbiota remain unknown.