Macrowine 2021
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 How the management of ph during winemaking affects acetaldehyde evolution and the formation of polymeric phenolics over the red wine aging

How the management of ph during winemaking affects acetaldehyde evolution and the formation of polymeric phenolics over the red wine aging

Abstract

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of pH on both the acetaldehyde chemistry and wine phenolics evolution over the aging period. In addition, the effect of both an early (on musts) and late (on wines soon after the end of the fermentation) acidification was evaluated.

METHODS: The experimental design consisted in the preparation of 7 wines from the same batch of grapes fermented in a first tank at the original pH of 3.2 (3.2W) and two other tanks in which the pH was adjusted to 3.5 (3.5W) and 3.9 (3.9W). On the third day of fermentation, and one week after the end of the fermentation-maceration process some aliquots of both 3.5W and 3.9W were treated to reach a 3.2 pH to afford four more wines. Polymeric pigments and phenolics were evaluated by spectrophotometry, MS and NMR techniques, acetaldehyde and anthocyanins by HPLC-DAD and reactivity of tannins towards saliva by electrophoresis. Wines were analyzed soon after the end of the fermentation and after one-year aging.

RESULTS: By increasing the pH level from 3.2 to 3.9, the amount of low polymerized flavans, individual anthocyanins and tannins reactive to BSA and saliva decreased. Conversely, an increase of acetaldehyde, of pigments resistant to the bleaching, and of ethylene-linked polymeric pigments was detected. After one year of aging, wines treated to reach a 3.2 pH significantly differ from 3.2W in acetaldehyde, tannins reactive towards proteins and polymeric pigments. This behavior was more evident when the acidification was carried out soon after the end of the fermentation-maceration process.

CONCLUSIONS

High pH values favor the polymerization of phenolics over the wine aging and results suggested that the effect is predominant when pH was increased during the fermentation, hence successive pH modulations have little (if any) effect on some typical reactions occurring during wine aging.

DOI:

Publication date: September 14, 2021

Issue: Macrowine 2021

Type: Article

Authors

Angelita Gambuti

Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Napoli “Federico II”- Enology Sciences Section, Viale Italia, 83100, Avellino, Italy, Luigi PICARIELLO, Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Napoli “Federico II”- Enology Sciences Section, Viale Italia, 83100, Avellino, Italy. Martino  FORINO, Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Napoli “Federico II”- Enology Sciences Section, Viale Italia, 83100, Avellino, Italy Alessandra RINALDI, Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Napoli “Federico II”- Enology Sciences Section, Viale Italia, 83100, Avellino, Italy. Biolaffort, 126 Quai de la Souys, 33100 Bordeaux, France. Luigi MOIO, Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Napoli “Federico II”- Enology Sciences Section, Viale Italia, 83100, Avellino, Italy.

Contact the author

Keywords

red wine, aging, ph, polyphenols

Citation

Related articles…

The true cost of the vineyard landscape enhancement. First results in the Venezia biodistrict 

The research is part of the “Ecovinegoals” project, financed by Interreg Adrion funds. It aims to encourage the adoption and dissemination of agroecological practices in intensive wine-growing areas. The study focuses on cost analysis of the wine-growing landscape enhancement in an organic winery in order to provide a useful tool for winemakers to direct their investments in green infrastructures. One of the Italian pilot areas of the Ecovinegoals project is the Venezia Biodistrict, characterized by viticulture in a flat reclamation area of 105,800 hectares.

How can yeast modulate Divona’s aromatic profile?

Volatile thiols play a key role in the aromatic expression of white wines, contributing to notes such as passion fruit, grapefruit, and herbal nuances [1]. These compounds, present as non-volatile precursors in grapes, require enzymatic activation to be released and realize their aromatic potential.

Characterization of spoilage yeasts from Malbec grapes from San Rafael wine region (Argentina)

The yeast ecosystem in grape musts is quite broad and depends on the region and the health of the grapes. Within this, there are yeasts that can generate fermentative deviations and/or cause defects in the wine. It is very important to address this issue because there are significant economic losses in the wine industry when the fermentation process and/or the organoleptic characteristics of the wine are negatively affected, even more today since climate change has a marked effect on the composition of this ecosystem. The aim of this work is to characterize the behavior regarding detrimental oenological features of potential spoilage yeasts isolated from viticultural environments.

Limiting magnesium availability: a novel approach to managing brettanomyces spoilage in winemaking

Brettanomyces is a world-renowned yeast that negatively impacts the chemical composition of wines through the production of metabolites that negatively impact the sensory properties of the final product. Its resilience in wine conditions and ability to produce off-flavors make it a challenge for winemakers. Currently, the primary control technique involves adding sulfur dioxide (SO2); however, some Brettanomyces strains are developing resistance to this preservative agent. [1] Therefore, new management strategies are necessary to control this spoilage yeast.

Correlation between grape and wine quality, landscape diversity, on-field biodiversity, in doc gioia del colle, italy

Analysis of aerial photos by using GIS tools and on-field surveys of flora are used to characterize territories from an agro-ecological point of view and to assess the level of diversity of given agro-ecosystems. More and more correlations between landscape characteristics, sustainability and quality of agriculture production were speculated. In last three years a study was carried out in the area of DOC “Gioia del Colle” in Apulia, South Italy, in order to characterize and investigate different vineyards and sites and find out possible interactions and correlations between the landscape diversity, the biodiversity of fields and the quality of grapes and wines.