Identification of aroma markers in amarone wines

Abstract

AIM AND METHODS: Amarone is an Italian red wine produced in the Valpolicella area, in north-eastern Italy. Due to its elaboration with withered grapes, Amarone is a rather unique example of dry red wine. However, there is very limited data so far concerning the volatile composition of commercial Amarone wines, which also undergo a cask aging of 2-4 years before release. The present work aims at characterizing the aroma composition of Amarone and to elucidate the relationships between chemical composition and sensory characters. The analysis of 17 Amarone commercial wines from the same vintage (2015) was carried out by means of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and extracted by Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) and Solid Phase Micro Extraction (SPME). In addition, the sampled wines were subjected to a sensory evaluation in the form of sorting task.

RESULTS: 70 volatile compounds were successfully identified and quantified, 30 of which were present in concentrations above their odor thresholds in all the samples. Using the odor activity value (OAV), the compounds that potentially contribute to Amarone perceived aroma are b-damascenone, ethyl and isoamyl acetate, ethyl esters (hexanoate, octanoate, butanoate, 3-methybutanoate), 4-ethyl guaiacol, 3-methylbutanoic acid, dimethyl sulfide (DMS), eugenol, massoia lactone, 1,4-cineol, TDN, cis/trans-whisky lactone. In certain samples, high OAVs were also observed for 4-ethyl phenol and 1,8-cineole.Results from the sorting task sensory analysis showed three clusters formed. Cluster 1 composed of eight wines and described as “red fruit”, “solvent” and “sweet spices”. Cluster 2 formed by four Amarone was associated mainly with the “animal” and “oak/toasted” attributes. And cluster 3 (five wines) described with the attribute “cooked fruit”.

CONCLUSIONS:

To our knowledge the present research is the first attempt to identify and classify Amarone della Valpolicella commercial wines. This study is still underwork but interesting outcomes have been obtained so far, which could help us to determine if withering could promote the formation of novel aroma compounds.

DOI:

Publication date: September 15, 2021

Issue: Macrowine 2021

Type: Article

Authors

Jessica Anahi Samaniego Solis

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

Contact the author

Keywords

amarone; wine aroma; aroma markers; passito style

Citation

Related articles…

Effectiveness of “curettage” and rootstock over-grafting in the control of esca

Context and purpose of the study. The grapevine domestication requested the need of pruning, which expose the vines to trunk pathogens, leading to the spread of vine trunk diseases.

Influence of the carbonic maceration winemaking method on the colour features of Tempranillo red wines

During recent years, carbonic maceration (CM) wines are increasingly demanded by consumers. The Spanish Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin (D.O.Ca. Rioja) is a winemaking area

Valorization of grapevine leaves: screening of polyphenol composition in 50 cultivars

Grapevine leaves are known to contain different polyphenols such as flavonols, catechins and stilbenes, which are known to act as main contributors for plant defense against pathogens (1). While the composition for some major cultivars has been studied, there is lack of systematic comparison about the content of these compounds in the wide ecodiversity of Vitis vinifera cv. Recent advances in Mass Spectrometry-based Metabolomics allow a wider and more sensitive description of these polyphenols, as instance of those present in leaves (2). Such information could help to better explain leaf traits regarding the development of the leaf or to the plant tolerance to a pathogen. Moreover, these compounds offer appealing applications for human health due to their antioxidant activities.

Application of GiESCO “bio-metaethics” charter in practice: the “direct” involvement of vine grower, winemaker, society

On the basis of a direct agreement between the GiESCO and the vine grower, the winemaker and the consumers (individual; company; public or private organizations), the communication on the content of the charter can be done as follows:
• Commitment to respect the basic rules of the GiESCO “BIO – MetaEthics” charter.
1/ Put Mankind in the depth of all concerns in a universal context: (grower, consumer, citizen, work valuing, education, security)
2/ Insure minimum impact on environment by optimizing cultivation technics: (maximum of natural biodegradable products, friendly practices, short channels, renewable energies, terroir sustainability)

Zonazione dell’area viticola doc durello

Il lavoro di zonazione riveste un ruolo importante per capire le potenzialità e la vocazionalità di una specifica area viticola. La viticoltura dovrebbe essere vista in funzione dell’obiettivo enologico che si vuole realizzare e quindi particolare importanza riveste il risultato delle vinificazioni delle uve provenienti dai vigneti delle diverse aree della zona di produzione oggetto d’indagine. La zonazione dell’area a DOC Monti Lessini Durello ha preso in esame la varietà “Durella”, vitigno autoctono del territorio, che rappresenta la maggior parte della produzione vitivinicola della zona.