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…

EVALUATION OF INDIGENOUS SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE ISOLATES FOR THEIR POTENTIAL USE AS FERMENTATION STARTERS IN ASSYRTIKO WINE

Assyrtiko is a rare ancient grape variety that constitutes one of the most popular in Greece. The objective of the current research was to evaluate indigenous Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolates as fermentation starters and also test the possible strain impact on volatile profile of Assyrtiko wine. 163 S. cerevisiae isolates, which were previously selected from spontaneous alcoholic fermentation, were identified at strain level by interdelta-PCR genomic fingerprinting. Yeasts strains were examined for their fermentative capacity in laboratory scale fermentation on pasteurized Assyrtiko grape must.

Effect of polysaccharide extracts from grape pomace on the oxidative evolution of hydroxycinnamic acids

Phenolic acids are especially sensitive to oxidation, so they can greatly impact wine sensory characteristics and stability [1]. Furthermore, extracts derived from grape pomace have been previously postulated as possible oenological adjuvants for wine protection [2].

Irrigation frequency in four grapevine red varieties in Spain. Effect on must volatile composition

The irrigation water management in the vineyard is a crucial aspect to obtain sustainable quality production over time. Previous studies have set the water requirements to be applied in the vineyard at 30 % of the reference evapotranspiration (ET0), although there are no studies that settle the effects of the frequency of irrigation application on red varieties in Spain. The present study contemplates the application of deficit irrigation (30 % ET0) applying a weekly dose in a single irrigation (T07) or in two irrigation events (T03) per week. The study has been carried out in 2021-2022 with four red varieties in different Spanish wine regions: Garnacha Tinta (Badajoz), Tempranillo (Valladolid), Syrah (Albacete) and Mencía (Lugo). The effects of irrigation frequency on must volatile composition have been evaluated through GC-MS.

Variability of Constitutive Stilbenoid Levels and Profiles in Grape Canes (Vitis spp.) depending on Genetic and Environmental Factors

Grape cane is a viticultural by-product that is currently underused or not used at all. Therefore, it bears a high potential for valorization due to the presence of anti-microbially active stilbenoids, being biologically relevant for plant defense. These compounds are highly interesting for applications in the agricultural sector as well as for the food and feed industry.

Generation of radicals in wine by cavitation and study of their interaction with metals, phenols and carboxylic acids

High-power ultrasounds have been related to an accelerated aging of wines, an effect that has been associated to the formation of radical species caused by the cavitation phenomenon [1]. This phenomenon consists of the formation of bubbles in the liquid medium that, when they collapse, cause high-pressure hot spots and temperatures of up to 4800 k [2], notably increasing the reactivity in the medium.