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…

The role of vine trunk height in delaying grape ripening: insights for viticultural adaptation strategies

Global changes in temperature patterns necessitate the development of viticultural adaptation strategies. One promising approach involves modifying the training system and elevating trunk height. This study explored the potential of raising the vine trunk as an adaptive strategy to counteract the effects of increasing temperatures and delay ripening. Thermal conditions, radiation levels, and must composition were measured at different heights (10 and 150 cm) in a commercial vineyard of the minority variety Maturana Blanca, trained on a vertical cordon.

Soil and nutritional survey of Greek vineyards from the prefecture of Macedonia, Northern Greece, and from the island of Santorini

Vitis vinifera L. is one of the most important cultures for the soil and
climate conditions of Northern Greece and Santorini. However, very little information is provided with regard to its nutritional requirements and critical levels of nutrient deficiencies and toxicities. The aim of this study was to provide an integrated nutritional survey for the Greek conditions of wine and table varieties.

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.

Building of a hierarchy of wines based on terroirs: an initiative from the producers of Muscadet

The Muscadet area is situated in the southeast of Nantes, close to the Atlantic coast. It constitutes the western extension
of the French vineyard “Loire Valley”. The Muscadet is renowned and often spontaneously linked to a white wine.
However it remains misconceived as an ordinary wine, lacking authenticity.

La zonazione della Franciacorta: il modello viticolo della DOCG

La Franciacorta è una piccola regione collinare della provincia di Brescia. Il territorio è molto eterogeneo sia dal punto di vista geologico, che geomorfologico e pedologico. Circa 1.000 ettari sono destinati alla produzione di uve Chardonnay, Pinot bianco e Pinot nero per il vino Franciacorta ottenuto unicamente utilizzando la lunga fermentazione naturale in bottiglia.