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 severe shoot trimming at different phenological stages on the composition of Merlot grapes

High concentration of sugars in grapes and alcohols in wines is one of the consequences of climate change on viticulture production in several wine regions. One of the options to alleviate this potential problem is to perform severe shoot trimming of the vines to limit the production of carbohydrates. Two different studies were performed in order to investigate the effects of severe shoot trimming on the composition of Merlot grapes; in a first study severe shoot trimming was performed at three different phenological stages (at berry set, at the beginning of veraison and at the end of veraison), while in a second study two trimming treatments (standard shoot trimming and severe shoot trimming performed at the end of veraison) were combined with two shoot densities in order to evaluate the relative impact of these treatments on Merlot grape composition.

Impact of toasting on oak wood aroma: creation of an oak wood aroma wheel

The impact of toasting process to produce aroma from oak wood intrinsic composition is well documented. It is admitted that such complexity contribute to the wine quality after barrel ageing. Despite our knowledge on the molecular identification of aroma impact compounds of oak wood, little research have been carried out, on a sensory level, on the aroma diversity of toasted oak wood.

Volatile compounds of base wines for the production of Lessini Durello sparkling wine

AIM Durello is a sparkling wine produced in the Lessini mountains near Verona. The wine is made from Durella grapes, a native white grape variety with a particularly high acidity. In spite of the small production area (375 ha for only 35 producers), there is a growing interest in this product. However, little is known about the aromatic profiles of these wines. The aim of this work was to characterize the aroma profile of Durella base wines suitable for the production of Lessini Durello sparkling wine. METHODS 14 base wines from Durella grapesfrom different producers were used for this study. Solid Phase Microextraction (SPME) and Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) sampling techniques coupled to GC-MS analysis allowed to identify and quantify a total of 62 volatile compounds. RESULTS Durello base wines showed relatively high levels of vitispirane, ß-damascenone, ß-citronellol and esters.

Anthropogenic intervention in shaping Terroir in a California Pinot noir vineyard

In many vineyards optimal parcel size exceeds the geospatial complexity that exists in soils and topographic features that influence hydrological properties, sunlight interception and soil depth and texture (available water capacity).

“Silex vitioeno module porte-greffe”: an information system to gather experimental results on grapevine rootstocks

Maintaining stable yields and quality over time is a major challenge for the wine industry. Within the context of climate change, the choice of the rootstock is an important lever for adapting to current and future climatic conditions. Within a vineyard, the choice of the rootstock depends on the environmental conditions, the scion variety and the objectives of production. Many experimental data on the performances of rootstock already exist and can guide our decision-making.