Comparison of two procedures to measure foamability from sparkling base wines supplemented with acacia gums

In the Champagne’s region, a complete press cycle is a series of pressure increases (squeezes) and decreases (returns). After alcoholic fermentation, the two wines (the “cuvee” and the “tailles”) obtained from grape juice fractions exhibit strong differences for numerous characteristics. Nevertheless, there is no study of the impact of the press cycle, followed after each pressure increase (22-28 steps), on wine colour, current analyses and phenolic composition. So, the aim of this study (vintage 2020) was to investigate the composition changes of Pinot noir and Pinot meunier wines, produced from 22-28 grape juices isolated for each complete pressing cycle.

Pilzwiderstandsfähige (PIWI) are disease resistant Vitis vinifera interspecific hybrid varieties that are receiving increasing attention for ability to ripen in cool climates and their resistance to grapevine fungal diseases. Wines produced from these varieties have not been characterized, especially regarding their macromolecular composition. This study characterised and quantified colloid-forming molecules (proteins, polysaccharides and phenolics) of red PIWI wines produced in the UK. METHODS: In 2019 6 wines were made from the PIWI varieties Rondo, Cabernet Jura, Cabernet Cortis, Cabernet Noir, Regent and Cabertin grown at the Plumpton Rock Lodge Vineyard in Sussex (UK) and harvested at similar level of maturity (TSS, pH and TA). All juice was chaptalized to the same potential alcohol of 12%. Small scale winemaking (1L) was performed in quadruplicate using Bodum® coffee plungers to manage maceration [1]. Residual sugar content, pH, and titratable acidity were monitored during fermentation. For finished wines, the protein and polysaccharide content was measured by HPLC-SEC [2], while the total phenolic content was assessed using the Folin-Ciocalteau method [3]. The protein profile of the wines was further investigated by SDS-PAGE [4]. RESULTS: Fermentations (n=24) were all carried out to completion within 8 days.

Elemental sulfur is a fungicide used by grape growers to control the development of powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Erysiphe necator. This compound is effective, cheap and has a low toxicity with no withholding period recommended. However, high levels of S0 residues in the harvested grapes can lead to the formation of reductive sulfur compounds that can impart taints and faults to the wine. Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) is a very volatile and unpleasant sulfur compound which formation is connected to high residues of S0 in juice (10 – 100 mg/L).

In recent years characterized by hot dry summers, the implementation of innovative irrigation tools in the vineyard represents a crucial challenge to ensure optimal production and to avoid excess of water consumption. It is known that the grapevine reacts to multiple stresses – i.e., high temperatures and wa- ter shortage – through adaptive mechanisms that are detrimental to the yield. Furthermore, this condi- tion is usually aggravated by high solar radiation, which could negatively affect the phenolic composi- tion of the grapes. Therefore, a cooling system has been developed aiming to reduce bunches’ sunburn damage.

In the context of climate change and for the sustainable exploitation of Mediterranean vineyards, it is necessary to use new strategies to adapt to the new climatic conditions.