Macrowine 2021
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Occurrence of methyl salicylate in lugana wines: aroma impact and biogenesis 

Occurrence of methyl salicylate in lugana wines: aroma impact and biogenesis 

Abstract

AIM: Methyl salicylate (MeSA) has been reported as a potentially impactful compound in Verdicchio wines produced in central Italy. Lugana is another white wine produced in the north-east of Italy from a grape locally known as Trebbiano di Soave, sharing a very similar genetic background with Verdicchio. The aims of this study were evaluating MeSA occurrence in Lugana, assessing its aroma impact on white wines aroma and elucidating its biogenesis during vinification.

METHODS: Fifteen Lugana wines were analysed for methyl salycilate content in comparison with Verdicchio, Pinot grigio and Garganega wines. MeSA impact on white wine aroma was studied by means of triangular test, adding MeSA at different concentrations. Possible routes of MeSA formation by yeast were investigated by means of a high throughput assay in which S. cerevisiae cells were put in contact with precursor such as salicylic acid (esterification) or glycosidic extracts (glycosidase). Sub-fractions of Lugana glycosidic extracts were also obtained by HPLC fractionation, allowing further evaluation of precursors role. MeSA formation was also followed during fermentation of Lugana must as well as during wine aging. All analyses of MeSA were carried out by SPME-GC-MS.

RESULTS: MeSA concentration in Lugana wines varied in the range 5-120 g/L, and was on average higher that in the other wines analysed. Sensory data showed that 20 µg/L of MeSA were sufficient to impact wine aroma, conferring floral and balsamic notes. Formation of MeSA was observed when yeast cells were in the presence of glycosidic extract, whereas esterification of salicylic acid was not confirmed. Release of MeSA from different HPLC fractions was observed, suggesting multiple possible precursors

CONCLUSIONS:

MeSA is present in Lugana wines at concentrations sufficiently high to impact wine aroma. MeSA odor in wine MeSA appears to be associated to floral attributes. MeSA formation is mostly due to yeast cleavage of grape glycosidic precursor

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

Biolaffort is acknowledged for financial support.

DOI:

Publication date: September 24, 2021

Issue: Macrowine 2021

Type: Article

Authors

Davide Slaghenaufi, Carla INDORATO, Eduardo VELA, Filippo FORTE, Giovanni LUZZINI, Maurizio UGLIANO,

Department of Biotechnology, University of Verona, Italy, 

Contact the author

Keywords

methyl salicylate; lugana; biogenesis; volatile compounds

Citation

Related articles…

EXPLORING THE INFLUENCE OF S. CEREVISIAE MANNOPROTEINS ON WINE ASTRINGENCY AND THE IMPACT OF THEIR POLYSACCHARIDE STRUCTURE

Mannoproteins (MPs) are proteoglycans from the outmost layer of yeast cell walls released into wine during alcoholic fermentation and ageing on lees processes. The use of commercial preparations of mannoproteins as additives to improve wine stability with regards to the crystallization of tartaric salts and to prevent protein haze in the case of white and rosé wines is authorized by the OIV.
Regarding red wines and polyphenols, mannoproteins are described as able to improve their colloidal stability and modulate the astringent effect of condensed tannins. The latter interact with salivary proteins forming insoluble aggregates that cause a loss of lubrication in the mouth and promote a drying and puckering sensation. However, neither the interaction mechanisms involved in mannoproteins capacity to impact astringency nor the structure-function relationships related to this property are fully understood.

VITOUR – The European World Heritage Vineyards

UNESCO World Heritage as the link, Europe as the area covered. VITOUR network is born on this idea, on Loire Valley Mission and InterLoire’s initiative. It gathers vineyards inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List.

The impact of climate change on wine tourism in Germany

Climate change is profoundly impacting wine tourism in Germany and presents new challenges for wineries.

Is wine terroir a valid concept under a changing climate?

The OIV[i] defines terroir as a concept referring to an area in which collective knowledge of the interactions between the physical and biological environment (soil, topography, climate, landscape characteristics and biodiversity features) and vitivinicultural practices develops, providing distinctive wine characteristics. Those are perceptible in the taste of wine, which drives consumer preference and, therefore, wine’s value in the marketplace. Geographical indications (GI) are recognized regulatory constructs formalizing and protecting the nexus between wine taste and the terroir generating it. Despite considering updates, GIs do not consider the nexus as a dynamic one and do not anticipate change, namely of climate. Being climate a fundamental feature of terroir, it strongly impacts wine characteristics, such as taste. According to IPCC[ii], many widespread, rapid and unprecedented changes of climate occurred, some being irreversible over hundreds to thousands of years. Climatic shifts and atmospheric-driven extreme events have been widely reported worldwide. Recent climatic trends are projected to strengthen in upcoming decades, whereas extremes are expected to increase in frequency and intensity, forcing wines away from GI definitions. Geographical shifts of viticultural suitability are projected, often moving into regions and countries different from current ones. Some authors propose adaptation in viticulture, winemaking and product innovation. We show evidence of climate changing wine characteristics in the Douro valley, home of 270-year-old Port GI. We discuss herein resist or adapt stances for when climate changes the nexus between terroir and wine characteristics. Using the MED-GOLD[iii] dashboard, a tool allowing for easy visual navigation of past and future climates, we demonstrate how policymakers can identify future moments, throughout the 21st century under different emission scenarios, when GI specifications will likely need updates (e.g., boundaries, varieties) to reduce climate-change impacts.

On the meaning of looking for terroir perceptions in blind tastings

If one considers as “physical or sensory attributes” of a wine its concentrations of alcohol and of other substances, it can be stated that another class of attributes exists