Influence of grape withering on corvina and corvinone aroma composition

Abstract

AIM:Valpolicella is a wine region located in Italy north-east, famous for the production of dry and sweet red wines from withered grapes, including Amarone and Recioto. The aim of this study is to understand the influence of the withering process on Corvina and Corvinone wines aroma profiles.

METHODS:Wines were produced with a standard red wine winemaking protocol with Corvina and Corvinone grapes from different Valpolicella vineyards and vintages. In consideration of the local traditional practice of post-harvest withering of the grapes, wines from each vineyard were obtained from either fresh and withered grapes. Wines were analysed by Solid Phase Extraction and Solid Phase Micro Extraction gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.

RESULTS:Within each variety, multivariate analysis showed a greater effect of the withering process compared to grape geographical origin. Withered grapes wines exhibited higher content of norisoprenoids, in particular TPB, vitispirane e β-damascenone, with increases up to 2,8-folds compared to wines produced with fresh grapes. Withering also induced an increase in benzenoids such as vanillin, methyl vanillate, ethyl vanillate and benzyl alcohol. Terpene content of withered wines was lower compared to fresh grape wines except for β-citronellol which generally increased. Wine esters content, except ethyl butanoate, generally decreased with grape withering.

CONCLUSIONS:

The withering process deeply changes wines aroma profile. Modifications induced by withering cannot be simply ascribed to the concentration effect of evaporation, but involve more complex phenomena affecting grape and yeast metabolism.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

Azienda Agricola f.lli Tedeschi is acknowledged for financial support

DOI:

Publication date: September 15, 2021

Issue: Macrowine 2021

Type: Article

Authors

Giovanni Luzzini 

University of Verona,Davide SLAGHENAUFI, University of Verona Maurizio, UGLIANO, University of Verona

Contact the author

Keywords

amarone, valpolicella, withered grapes wines, red wines aroma

Citation

Related articles…

Monitoring gas-phase CO2 in the headspace of champagne glasses through diode laser spectrometry

During Champagne or sparkling wine tasting, gas-phase CO2 and volatile organic compounds invade the headspace above glasses [1], thus progressively modifying the chemical space perceived by the consumer. Gas-phase CO2 in excess can even cause a very unpleasant tingling sensation perturbing both ortho- and retronasal olfactory perception [2]. Monitoring as accurately as possible the level of gas-phase CO2 above glasses is therefore a challenge of importance aimed at better understanding the close relationship between the release of CO2 and a collection of various tasting parameters.

Removal of Fumonisin B1 and B2 from red wine using polymeric substances

The Ability of PVPP (Polyvinylpolypyrrolidone), PVP-DEGMA-TAIC (copolimerization of N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and triallyl isocyanurate) and PAEGDMA
(poly(acrylamide-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate)) polymers was tested as removal agents for Fumonisin B1 (FB1) and Fumonisin B2 (FB2) from model solutions and red wine. The polymers removal capacity was checked at three different resident times (2, 8 and 24 hours of contact time between the polymer and the sample), showing no differences in the percentage of FB1 and FB2 removal. Then, different polymer concentrations (1, 5 and 10 mg mL-1) were tested in model solution with and without phenolics (i.e. gallic acid and 4-methylcatechol).

Amyndeon‐naoussa: the two faces of Xinomavro

Xinomavro is the most important indigenous red wine variety grown in Northern Greece. It participates in the production of several PGI wines in Macedonia while from 100% Xinomavro the PDO “Amyndeon” and “Naoussa” are produced. The viticultural area of Amyndeon lies in a plateau of 550 ‐700 m of altitude, in a semi‐continental climate with mostly deep sandy loamy soils derived from limestone and marl bedrocks while in Naoussa, Xinomavro is grown in a Mediterranean climate on more heavy textured soils, sandy clay loam to clay, derived from ophiolithic, limestone and marl bedrocks, in an altitude which varies from 150 to 400 m. Different soil, climate and viticultural technique interactions, result in great variability with respect to morphological, ampelographical and physiological characters of Xinomavro as well as in the characteristics of the wines produced. 

Impact of the maturity and the duration of maceration on phenolic composition and sensorial quality of Divico wines

Following its approval in 2013 by Agroscope, Divico became the first interspecific grape variety in Switzerland with high resistance to downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) and grey rot (Botrytis cinerea), and medium resistance to powdery mildew (Uncinula nectator). Extremely riche in color, Divico grapes showed great enological potential to different styles of wine. Quickly, many wine growers were interested in planting this promising variety. Many of its potential are to be explored in the coming years.

Oligosaccharides from Vitis vinifera grape seeds: a focus on gentianose as a novel bioactive compound

AIM. Grape seeds (Vitis vinifera) are among the main constituents of grape pomace, also exploited in ingredients for nutraceutics and cosmeceutics, particularly regarding the phenolic fraction. The macromolecules of grape/wine include polyphenols, proteins and polysaccharides.