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…

Natural magnetic levitation for the storage of wine bottles

Wine storage ensuring the quality and correct aging is one of the issues that wineries, wine traders and consumers encounter after wine bottling.

Investigating kokumi flavour oligopeptides in wine

Kokumi is a complex sensation perceived as enhanced palatability. Under the influence of kokumi substances, foods/beverages tastes become more flavorful with increased intensity, spread, continuity, richness, harmony, and punch which are the six related characteristics corresponding to the Kokumi sensory concept [1].

Nutrient absorption in vines (Vitis vinifera L., cv. Tempranillo blanco) under two water management approaches in a semiarid region of the north of Spain

Two treatments were studied in vines of cv. Tempranillo blanco (Vitis vinifera L.) during the 2012-2018 period in an experimental plot located in Rincón de Soto (La Rioja, Spain). Rainfed treatment (R0) was compared with respect to an irrigation treatment (R2) equivalent to 30% of the crop evapotranspiration (ET0) from fruitset to harvest phenological stages. Pre-veraison irrigation ranged from 43 (2014) to 66 mm/m2 (2018) while post-veraison irrigation ranged from 37 (2017) to 115 mm/m2 (2012).The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was assessed by measures of reflectance, nutrients were determined by analysis of petioles sampled at veraison, grape production was determined at harvest as well as renewable wood weight was assessed at pruning time.

Reconfiguring wine prescription : from traditional critics to digital social networks

The integration of digital social networks (DSN) has profoundly transformed communication practices within the wine industry, reorganizing the dynamics of prescription and marketing.

Impact of varying ethanol and carbonation levels on the odor threshold of 1,1,6-trimethyl-1,2-dihydronaphtalene (petrol off-flavor) and role of berry size and Riesling clones

1,1,6-trimethyl-1,2-dihydronaphtelene (TDN) evokes the odor of “petrol” in wine, especially in the variety Riesling. Increasing UV-radiation due to climate change intensifies formation of carotenoids in the berry skins and an increase of TDN-precursors1. Exploring new viticultural and oenological strategies to limit TDN formation in the future requires precise knowledge of TDN thresholds in different matrices. Thresholds reported in the literature vary substantially between 2 µg/L up to 20 µg/L2,3,4 due to the use of different methods. As Riesling grapes are used for very different wine styles such as dry, sweet or sparkling wines, it is essential to study the impact of varying ethanol and carbonation levels.