Macrowine 2021
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Prediction of astringency in red wine using tribology approach to study in-mouth perception

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

Abstract

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.

METHODS: A mini-traction device was self-assembled to evaluate friction during a dynamic process under different test conditions. Moreover, several oenological tannins and red wines were analyzed to relate instrumental and sensory results, and the effect of selected parameters involved in astringency perception (acidity, ethanol, polysaccharides) was investigated.

RESULTS: After a preliminary screening of several proteic fluids based on friction behavior, the addition of oenological tannins at increasing levels showed empirical evidence of linear range of interaction with protein (R2 up to 0.97) with increasing friction values. Results were greatly affected by the botanical origin of tannins, their degree of purity and the tannin-to-protein ratio. The tribological findings were confirmed by the chemical and sensory analysis of red wines, which highlighted the great contribution of phenolic compounds, in particular tannins.

CONCLUSIONS:

The inherent properties of the selected protein-based fluid allow a satisfactory prediction of astringency in wine and future work will focus on friction and film formation across a broader set of conditions to improve the characterization of wine astringency based on tribology-sensory relationship.

DOI:

Publication date: September 22, 2021

Issue: Macrowine 2021

Type: Article

Authors

Andrea Versari , Arianna RICCI, Giuseppina Paola PARPINELLO, Luigi RAGNI, Elena BABINI, 

Università degli Studi di Bologna (ITALY), 

Contact the author

Keywords

sensory analysis; red wine; astringency; phenolic compounds; tribometry

Citation

Related articles…

Effects of mechanical leafing and deficit irrigation on Cabernet Sauvignon grown in warm climate of California

San Joaquin Valley accounts for 40% of wine grape acreage and produces 70% of wine grape in California. Fruit quality is one of most important factors which impact the economical sustainability of farming wine grapes in this region. Due to the recent drought and expected labor cost increase, the wine industry is thrilled to understand how to improve fruit quality while maintaining the yield with less water and labor input. The present study aims to study the interactive effects of mechanical leafing and deficit irrigation on yield and berry compositions of Cabernet Sauvignon grown in warm climate of California.

Training rats to drink red wine: effects of different drinking approaches on drinking/feeding habits, weight gain and survival from myocardial infarction

The habit of regular, moderate wine consumption, particularly with meals, is associated with protective effects from coronary heart disease. Epidemiological studies looking at myocardial protection/recovery focus mainly on the effects of red wine due to its high content in antioxidants, especially polyphenols. In several previous studies, conducted in our laboratory, we have concentrated on the effects of moderate consumption of white wine, by experimental animals (rats), gaining a significant experience in technical and procedural challenges. The scientific literature, and our past experience, suggests that rats are resilient towards consumption of full bodied, barrique red wines.

REGAVID a decision tool to deficit irrigation in a temperate climate (DO Monterrei – Spain)

In temperate climates, such as in the North of Spain, the use of irrigation in the vineyard has not been required, due to the usual rainfall from June to August. In some large vineyards, irrigation management has been carried out, based on occasional support irrigation, or for the application of nutrients (fertigation). Currently it is necessary to implement decision support models to manage irrigation water in real time and avoid misuse of a scarce resource. Moreover, quality standards must be achieved, as in the previous rainfed viticulture.

The aroma diversity of italian white wines

AIM: Aroma is a key contributor to white wines sensory typicality, perceived diversity and overall preference.

Vintage by vine interactions most strongly influence Pinot noir grape and wine composition in New Zealand

Vine genetics, fruit maturity, region and vineyard are perceived as factors that strongly influence Pinot noir grape and wine composition. Our study aims to understand the relationship between grape (and ultimately wine) composition and the physical appearance and performance characteristics of a vine (i.e. vine ideotype). Our experimental approach controlled these variables by