Macrowine 2021
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 A new approach for sensory characterization of grape. Relationship with chemical composition

A new approach for sensory characterization of grape. Relationship with chemical composition

Abstract

AIM: Characterize taste and mouthfeel properties of grapes elicited by the phenolic fraction (PF) of grape berries and establish relationships with chemical variables.

METHODS: As many as 31 diverse grape lots of Tempranillo Tinto and Garnacha Tinta from three different regions were harvested. Grapes were destemmed and macerated in 15% of ethanol for one week and extracts were submitted to solid phase extraction. The recovered polyphenolic fraction was reconstituted in wine model and characterized by a panel of 21 wine experts employing a list of 23 taste and mouthfeel-related attributes following a rate-k-attributes methodology.

RESULTS: Six significant attributes among the 31 samples differed based on ANOVA results: “dry”, “coarse”, “bitter”, “dry on tongue”, “sticky” and “watery”. PCA with VARIMAX algorithm was calculated. Three main independent dimensions defining the sensory space of PFs were identified: D1, “dry on the tongue”; D2, “bitter/ sticky”; and D3: “coarse/dry”. Two out of the three dimensions could be satisfactory modeled by PLS-regression from chemical parameters. Tannin activity and tannin concentration along with mDP of tannins proved to be good predictors of perceived dryness. Flavonols have a good prediction power for “bitter” attribute and the “sticky/bitter” dimension. In addition, the low molecular weight anthocyanins seem to be involved in the formation of the “dry” attribute, whereas large polymeric pigments in the “sticky” attribute and the “sticky/bitter” dimension.

CONCLUSIONS:

This study has increased our knowledge about some of the chemical drivers of grape sensory properties and presents a powerful tool for the wine industry to assess grape quality.

DOI:

Publication date: September 22, 2021

Issue: Macrowine 2021

Type: Article

Authors

Maria-Pilar Saenz-Navajas , Logroño, Alejandro, Suárez, Chelo, Ferreira, Panagiotis, Arapitsas, Daniele, Perenzoni, Fulvio, Mattivi,  Vicente, Ferreira,

Instituto De Ciencias De La Vid Y Del Vino (Ur-Csic-Gr). Department Of Enology, La Rioja, Spain, Universidad De Zaragoza, Iuma, Spain.   Fondazione Edmund Mach, Italy.  Universidad De Zaragoza, Ia2, Spain.  Purificación, Fernandez-Zurbano, Instituto De Ciencias De La Vid Y Del Vino (Ur-Csic-Gr). La Rioja, Spain.

Contact the author

Keywords

pls, phenolic fraction, grape quality, mouthfeel, taste

Citation

Related articles…

Q-NMR measurements: quantitative analysis of wine composition applied to Bordeaux red wines authenticity control

Traceability of wine is today a consumer demand and a scientific challenge. The methods of analysis must be able to control three fundamental parameters: the geographical origin, the grape varieties, and the vintage.

Use of pectinolytic yeast in wine fermentations

The use of pectinolytic enzymes in winemaking is state of the art. These enzymes catalyse the degradation of pectic substances through depolymerization (hydrolases and lyases) and de-esterification. As a result, it supports the extraction of juice and facilitates filtration. It has also been shown in winemaking that the presence of pectinolytic enzymes improves the stability, taste, texture, colour and aroma of products. With regard to enzymes currently applied in winemaking, enzymes derived from filamentous fungi dominate the enzyme industry. Fungal-based pectinolytic enzymes specifically require purification from the culture medium to eliminate unwanted side reactions, which is poorly sustainable. Some non-traditional yeast strains have been reported to exhibit pectinolytic activities. Therefore, the direct use of pectinolytic yeast during wine fermentation process can be an attractive and alternative source for the use of enzymes as input.

Energy partitioning and functionality of photosystem II in water-stressed grapevines during heatwaves revealed by continuous measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence

The increased intensity and frequency of heatwaves, coupled with prolonged periods of drought, are a significant threat to viticulture worldwide. During these conditions the more exposed leaves can show visible symptoms of heat damage. We monitored the functionality of photosystem II (PSII) in the field to better understand the impact of heatwaves on canopy performance. A factorial experiment was established in summer 2023 using Shiraz grapevines in the Barossa valley of South Australia, involving water-stressed and well-watered vines.

Investigating the carbon sequestration potential in vineyard soils–the SUSTAIN project

The SUSTAIN project aims at assessing the soil organic carbon (SOC) stock and vulnerability in vineyard in a climate change scenario.

The impact of vine pruning methods on physiological development and health condition of Vitis vinifera

This project aims on monitoring the plant development and comparison of the effects of various training systems on vine fertility and physiological processes.