Macromolecular characterization of disease resistant red wine varieties (PIWI)

Abstract

AIM: Pilzwiderstandsfähige (PIWI) are disease resistant Vitis vinifera interspecific hybrid varieties that are receiving increasing attention for ability to ripen in cool climates and their resistance to grapevine fungal diseases. Wines produced from these varieties have not been characterized, especially regarding their macromolecular composition. This study characterised and quantified colloid-forming molecules (proteins, polysaccharides and phenolics) of red PIWI wines produced in the UK.

METHODS:
In 2019 6 wines were made from the PIWI varieties Rondo, Cabernet Jura, Cabernet Cortis, Cabernet Noir, Regent and Cabertin grown at the Plumpton Rock Lodge Vineyard in Sussex (UK) and harvested at similar level of maturity (TSS, pH and TA). All juice was chaptalized to the same potential alcohol of 12%. Small scale winemaking (1L) was performed in quadruplicate using Bodum® coffee plungers to manage maceration [1]. Residual sugar content, pH, and titratable acidity were monitored during fermentation. For finished wines, the protein and polysaccharide content was measured by HPLC-SEC [2], while the total phenolic content was assessed using the Folin-Ciocalteau method [3]. The protein profile of the wines was further investigated by SDS-PAGE [4].

RESULTS: Fermentations (n=24) were all carried out to completion within 8 days. The resulting wines showed important differences in terms of their macromolecular composition. The total polysaccharide content ranged between 903-1217 mg/L and was higher than the typical content of red wines [5]. Also, the total phenolic content was greater than typical red wines from Vitis vinifera (range 2478-4678 mg/L), while the total protein concentration ranged between 114 -152 mg/L. Typical values for red wine range from 10-200 mg/L [4,6]. The electrophoresis analysis showed the presence of pathogenesis-related (defence) proteins, namely chitinases and thaumatin-like proteins in all wines, while a lipid transfer protein (LTP) was found in all wines except for Cabernet Cortis. This is noteworthy as LTPs can cause severe allergenic reactions [7].

CONCLUSIONS:

Hybrid red grape varieties have the potential to produce wines with chemical and macromolecular composition in line with those from Vitis vinifera. This is a promising result for their future adoption in winegrowing regions subjected to difficult climatic conditions and high disease pressure. However, given that PIWI varieties are likely to over-produce pathogenesis-related proteins as a defence mechanism, future investigations should explore the role of these proteins with regard to colloidal and colour stability and allergenic potential.

DOI:

Publication date: September 16, 2021

Issue: Macrowine 2021

Type: Article

Authors

Edward Brearley

Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Italy,Matteo MARANGON, Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, University of Padova, Italy Daniel JACKSON, Plumpton College, England Tony MILANOWSKI, Rathfinny Wine Estate, England Gregory DUNN, Plumpton College, England

Contact the author

Keywords

disease resistant, piwi, red wines, proteins, polysaccharides, phenolics, colloids

Citation

Related articles…

Enhancing plant defense: carbon dots for efficient spray-induced gene silencing 

Ectopic RNA application for plant defense faces challenges in tree crops, including size, diffusion, and stability of active compounds such as ribonucleoproteins and nucleic acids. While existing strategies involve expressing dsRNA in transgenic plants targeting pathogens, our research strives to develop a transient RNAi system based on Spray-Induced Gene Silencing (SIGS). This approach aims to circumvent legal barriers and public concerns associated with genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Our strategy integrates SIGS with branched polyethyleneimine-functionalized Carbon Dots (bPEI-CDs) as nanocarriers, effectively addressing unique delivery challenges in plant defense as RNA stability and uptake enhancement

Territorial delimitation of viticultural “Oltrepo Pavese (Lombardy)” using grape ripening precocity

L’Oltrepò Pavese est une zone de collines de la Lombardie, région située au nord de l’Italie avec un vignoble qui s’étend sur près de 15 000 ha. Cette zone représente la plus grande aire de production de la région et une des A.O.C. les plus étendues de tout le pays. Les cépages les plus cultivés, même historiquement, sont autochtones : la Barbera et la Croatina utilisés pour la production de vin rouge «Oltrepò» et le Pinot noir pour la production de vins mousseux. Pour le zonage viticole de cette A.O.C., il a été pris en considération: le climat, les sols, les caractéristiques viti-vinicoles.

Prediction of astringency in red wine using tribology approach to study in-mouth perception

AIM Astringency is described as a ‘dry puckering‐like sensation’ following consumption of tannins1 that affect consumer preference of foods and beverages, including red wine2. To improve the understanding of astringency, which is a complex interaction due to multiple mechanisms occurring simultaneously, further studies are needed. In this view, oral tribology is considered a useful technique for beverage study to evaluate the thin-film lubrication properties of saliva resulting in oral friction‐related sensations3. The aim of this study was to examine the film behavior of selected protein-based fluids under controlled friction conditions, to understand polyphenol-protein interactions involved in the sensation of astringency.

In line monitoring of red wine fermentations using ir spectrospcopy

There has been a shift in modern industry to implement non-destructive and non-invasive process monitoring techniques (Helmdach et al., 2013).

Using remotely sensed (UAV) and in situ field measurements to describe grapevine canopy characteristics

Row orientation and canopy management are essential for high quality grapevine production. Microclimatic conditions of the leaves and fruits can be influenced by the canopy geometry. Remote sensing is a very promising tool to describe vegetative growth and physiological behavior of vineyards. However, the correlation between remotely sensed data and in situ field measurements has been described scarcely in the scientific literature so far. The aim of the study was to correlate remotely sensed data obtained with Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with in situ field measurements to describe canopy structure.