Terpenoids and norisoprenoids in italian red wines

Abstract

AIM: Terpene compounds are associated with floral notes and are characteristic of aromatic grape varieties such as Muscat (Jackson, 2008). They are generally considered to potentially contribute to the aroma of white wines. However, there is a growing interest towards the potential contribution of terpene compounds to the aroma of red wines. The aim of this work was to investigate the occurrence of different terpenes in red wines from Italian varieties.

METHODS: For this study wines from 11 mono-varietal Italian red wines from 12 regions were used (19 Sangiovese, 11 Nebbiolo, 10 Aglianico, 11 Primitivo, 10 Raboso del Piave, 9 Cannonau, 11 Teroldego, 3 Nerello, 9 Montepulciano, 7 Corvina). All samples were from vintage 2016 and none of them had been in contact with wood. A total of 19 terpenes and 7 norisoprenoids were analysed by mean of SPME-GC-MS analysis using a DVB-CAR-PDMS fiber. The wines were collected in the framework of the activities of the D-Wines (Diversity of Italian wines) project.

RESULTS: Significant differences among varieties were observed for basically all the compounds analyzed with the exception of limonene. Overall, the concentrations of the various terpenes remained in the same order of magnitude. However, some differences are noticeable between varieties. Corvina was characterized by higher level of linalool, followed by Aglianico, Nebbiolo, Primitivo and Sangiovese. Cyclic terpenoids appeared as good varietal markers, for instances Montepulciano was characterized by 1,4-cineole and 1,8-cineole, whereas Sangiovese showed higher levels of p-cymene, α-terpinene and 1,4-cineole. Higher terpinene-1-ol content was characteristic of Montepulciano and Raboso wines. Relatively high levels of the norisoprenoid β-damascenone were found in Cannonau up to 3.68 µg/L.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study provide the first survey of a large number of terpenoids and norisoprenoids in different mono-varietal Italian red wines. The results showed that a large number of terpenoids were present in Italian red wines with specific profiles related to the varieties.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

MIUR project N. 20157RN44Y

DOI:

Publication date: September 16, 2021

Issue: Macrowine 2021

Type: Article

Authors

Davide Slaghenaufi

University of Verona,Giovanni, LUZZINI, University of Verona Marangon, Matteo, University of Padua Mattivi, Fulvio, University of Trento Moio, Luigi, University of Naples ‘Federico II’ Versari, Andrea, University of Bologna Luca, ROLLE, University of Turin Maurizio, UGLIANO, University of Verona

Contact the author

Keywords

terpenes, norisoprenoids, red wine, aroma

Citation

Related articles…

H-NMR metabolic profiling of wines from three cultivars, three soil types and two contrasting vintages

Differences in wine flavour proceed primarily from grape quality. Environmental factors determined by the climate, soil and training systems modify many grape and wine quality traits. Metabolic profiling based on proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) spectra has been proved to be useful to study multifactorial effects of the vine environment on intricate grape quality traits. The capacity of this method to discriminate the environmental effects on wine has to be demonstrated.

Impact of monopolar and bipolar pulsed electric fields on the quality of Tinta Roriz wines

Pulsed electric fields (pef) technology holds significant promise for the agrifood industry, considering the capacity of inducing cell electroporation, due to the disruption of cellular membranes. Pef-induced permeabilization is dependent of the chosen treatment protocol (i.e. Pulse shape, electrical field strength, specific energy) and of the matrix’s characteristics (i.e. Cell radii and size, ph, electrical conductivity).

Foliar application of specific inactivated yeast to enhance the varietal aroma precursors accumulation on cv. Traminer

The production of grapes with a balanced composition is one of the main goals that agronomists and oenologists pursue to produce premium quality wines.

Untargeted metabolomics reveals the impact of cork oxygen transfer on non-volatile compounds during red wine ageing

During red wine aging, numerous chemical reactions occur, contributing to the modification and enhancement of the wine sensory parameters over time [1].

Hanseniaspora uvarum and high hydrostatic pressure for improving wine aging on lees

Non-saccharomyces yeasts gained an increased interest in winemaking during the last decades, due to their ability to produce relevant amounts of polysaccharides. Moreover, a significant release of glutathione into the wine during fermentation was also observed with these strains, as well as an improvement of color stability and wine aroma profile. Valuable results have been obtained by hanseniaspora spp. concerning the release of polysaccharides and the production of acetic esters, mainly during fermentation.