Aromatic profile evolution of corvina, corvinone and rondinella grapes during withering

Abstract

AIM AND METHODS: Grape withering is one of the key steps in the production of the most renowned red wines of the Valpolicella area, namely Amarone and Recioto. This practice, which was already used since Roman times, entails important modifications in grape composition and in the chemical and sensorial characteristics of the corresponding wines, especially in terms of aromatic profile. The aim of this research is evaluating the aromatic evolution during grape withering of the three main varieties used in Valpolicella wines: Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella.Samples of the three varieties were analyzed at harvest and at different stages of withering, namely10%, 20% and 30% of weight loss. Free and glycosidically bound compounds were extracted and analyzed using Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS).

RESULTS: For all the samples the data were normalized to eliminate the effect of concentration due to grape dehydration. Terpene content and evolution varied considerably in relationship to grape variety. Corvinone was richer in cyclic terpenes (including phellandrene, limonene, and cymene) and they decreased during withering. Conversely, Corvina was richer in linalool, with a peak at 20% of weight loss. Also glycosylated nerol and geraniol were more abundant in Corvinone grapes, peaking at 20% of weight loss. Complex patterns of evolution were also observed for free and glycosylated benzenoids (mostly benzyl alcohol, vanillin, and methyl vanillate), which increased in Corvina and Corvinone while tended to decrease in Rondinella.

CONCLUSIONS:

The present results highlighted a variability between the different classes of aromatic compounds and between the three different varieties due to metabolic changes that do not depend solely on grape dehydration. As such, the results highlight the need for further investigations in the aromatic evolution of the grapes during the grape withering, with the aim of developed improved control strategies for Amarone and Recioto production.

DOI:

Publication date: September 15, 2021

Issue: Macrowine 2021

Type: Article

Authors

Jessica Anahi Samaniego Solis 

University Of Verona – University of Verona, Giacomo CRISTANELLI, University of Verona Giovanni LUZZINI, University of Verona Davide SLAGHENAUFI, University of Verona Maurizio UGLIANO, University of Verona

Contact the author

Keywords

grape withering; terpenes; corvina; corvinone; rondinella

Citation

Related articles…

EFFECTS OF HYDROXYTYROSOL ON THE CHEMICAL PROFILE AND SENSORY ATTRIBUTES OF A RED TUSCAN WINE

The chemical profile and sensory attributes were studied in Borrigiano IGT Toscana wine (Italy), a blend of Sangiovese 85% and Cabernet Sauvignon 15% grapes harvested in September 2020, where 2-(3,4-dihydroxyphenyl)ethanol (hydroxytyrosol, HT, [1]) was added to a 750-ml wine bottle in 3 different amounts (30, 60, 120 mg) and compared with the control (no HT addition). The study aimed to evaluate whether Polyphenol-HT1®, a high purity HT (>99%) produced by Nova Mentis using biotechnology, could be used as a supplement to sulfites and how it would impact the sensory and chemical profile of this wine [2]. Each sample was prepared in triplicate.

Laying footprints on a new path: proper accounting of biogenic fluxes makes viticulture carbon neutral

To limit the acceleration of global warming we need to reduce greenhouse gases emissions (GHG), making our production processes more carbon-efficient and optimizing absorptions.

Hyperspectral imaging and cnn for on‐the‐go, non‐destructive assessment of grape composition in the vineyard

Knowledge of the spatial‐temporal variation of the grape composition within a vineyard may assist decision making regarding sampling

Conversion to mechanical management in vineyards maintains fruit

Current environmental, ecological and economic issues require a better vineyard production management. In fact, a poor use of fertilizing could lead to harmful impact on environment. Another issue concerns the cultures themselves which couldn’t use fertilizers efficiently, leading to a loss of income or too much expense for farmers. Presently, estimation of fertilization’s needs is realized by the laboratory analysis of leaves selected through a random sampling. The present study aims at optimizing fertilization’s management by using a map of biophysical parameters estimated from satellite images.

Using 1H-NMR combined with chemometrics to discriminate the effect of different cuts and toasting of woods used for grape pomace distillate ageing

The purpose of this research study is to consider new solutions for distillate ageing, in alternative to conventional oak chips or barrels in particular sliced wood and peeled wood were compared to oak cubes, normally employed during both wine and distillate ageing.