Macrowine 2021
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Identification of riboflavin low producer yeasts to prevent the light-struck taste in white wines

Identification of riboflavin low producer yeasts to prevent the light-struck taste in white wines

Abstract

AIM: Wine quality maintenance during the storage is a fundamental aspect for both wine producers and consumers. Nowadays, great attention has been given to the light effect, causing detrimental changes of wine; indeed, light can induce off-flavours associated to the light-struck taste (LST)(1). This fault is due to photochemical oxidation processes in which riboflavin (RF) and methionine (Met) play an important role generating methanethiol (MeSH) and dimethyl disulphide (DMDS)(2), responsible of the unpleasant cabbage and onion-like odours that make wine undrinkable. Although it is well-known the contribution of yeasts in the final amount of these compounds in wine, microbiological strategies against the LTS defect limiting their release are not yet available. This study is part of the project “Innovative and sustainable approaches for the prevention of photo-induced defects in white wines and sparkling wines (Enofotoshield)” and in particular it aims at providing wineries with alternative microbiological approaches to counteract the LST.

METHODS: Four Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains of oenological interest (EC1118, IOC18, LS2 and AWRI796) have been compared to investigate the RF release during their growth in synthetic media (SMY and SMV) and Chardonnay must, simulating oenological conditions. Then, the RF release (including the derived flavones) was estimated by UPLC (Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography) analysis.

RESULTS: Results of this study revealed that RF production is influenced by the growth medium composition. Indeed, if the medium contains RF, the vitamin concentration increases over time while that of flavones remain constant; on the contrary, the opposite situation is verified in absence of RF. Moreover, investigations on other factors that could influence the RF release are still in progress (such as cell inoculum density, temperature, oxygen-limiting conditions, availability of nutrients).  Taking in consideration that a lower concentration than 80-100 μg/L could limit the LST development, the best identified condition in terms of RF release was the growth on the Chardonnay must (12,8 μg/L) compared to the two synthetic media SMY and SMV (102,4 μg/L and 316,5 μg/L, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

This study paves the way for the development of new approaches that limit the impact on the wine aromatic profile. Indeed, the choice of the growth cultural medium is a relevant factor in terms of RF and Met production. The next steps of the study will be the analysis of the Met release and of the intracellular content of both RF and Met.

DOI:

Publication date: September 14, 2021

Issue: Macrowine 2021

Type: Article

Authors

Alessandra Di Canito

University of Milan,Ileana Vigentini – University of Milan Daniela Fracassetti – University of Milan Antonio Tirelli – University of Milan  Roberto Foschino – University of Milan

Contact the author

Keywords

wine microbiology, light-struck taste, yeasts

Citation

Related articles…

Postharvest ozone treatment in grapevine white cultivars: Effects on grape volatile composition

During postharvest management, the metabolism of fruits remains active and continuous physico-chemical changes occur. Ozone treatment has an elicitor effect on secondary metabolites and the treatment conditions can influence the grape response to the stress (Bellincontro et al., 2017; Botondi et al., 2015). Regarding volatile organic compounds (VOCs), previous studies showed that ozone treatment during postharvest dehydration induces the biosynthesis of terpenes in Moscato bianco grapes (Río Segade et al., 2017). It is well known that grape VOCs greatly influence the organoleptic properties of wines, particularly terpenes in aromatic varieties.

Relation between the environmental factors of the terroir system and flavan-3-ol composition of grape berry seeds and skin at pre-veraison stage and harvest Influence of dedicate viticultural management

Quantity and quality of flavonoïds in grape berries are important parts of their global quality. Several studies had shown that tannins are responsible for some major flavour properties of red wines such as colour, bitterness and astringency. Nevertheless, their synthesis and properties are still misunderstood. Some studies had suggested that the tannic pool was set before veraison. Thus, the comprehension of the relations between environment and setting of this tannic pool, up to the harvest, is not sufficient.

Field-grown Sauvignon Blanc berries react to increased exposure by controlling antioxidant homeostasis and displaying UV acclimation responses that are influenced by the level of ambient light

Leaf removal in the bunch zone is a common viticultural practice with several objectives, yet it has been difficult to conclusively link the physiological mechanism(s) and metabolic berry impact to this widely practiced treatment. We used a field-omics approach1 in a Sauvignon blanc high altitude model vineyard, showing that the early leaf removal in the bunch zone caused quantifiable and stable responses (over years) in the microclimate where the main perturbation was increased exposure. We provide an explanation for how leaf removal leads to the shifts in grape metabolites typically linked to this treatment and confirm anecdotal evidence and previous reports that leaf removal treatment at an early stage of berry development affects “quality-associated” metabolites (monoterpenes and norisoprenoids).

Il turismo del vino: dalla logica individuale a quella di distretto

In alcuni lavori condotti alcuni anni or sono, abbiamo analizzato per un verso le tendenze della domanda di prodotti enologici, ed il comportamento del consumatore, e per un altro verso le motivazioni alla base delle scelte dell’enoturista, ovvero di colui che va per vigne e cantine per fruire di risorse enogastronomiche.

Water status, nitrogen status and leaf area/ crop ratio effect on aromatic potential of vitis viniferaberries : example of Sauvignon blanc

Les effets de l’état hydrique et de l’alimentation en azote sur le potentiel aromatique des raisins de Sauvignon blanc ont été mesurés sur des vignobles du Bordelais. Les déficits hydriques ont été caractérisés par le potentiel tige déterminé en milieu de journée ΨTmin)­. L’alimentation en azote a été étudiée à partir d’une zone carencée en azote. Une part de cette zone a été supplémentée avec de l’azote minéral.