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…

Impact of malolactic fermentation on volatile composition and sensory properties of white and rosé wine from the greek variety moschofilero

Moschofilero is a native grape variety, classified as a ‘gris’ type variety, that is cultivated in PDO Mantineia, Peloponissos, Greece. It is used for the production of both white and rosé wines. Due to high altitude of the vineyards, the harvest is done by mid October, and many vintages are characterised by high acidities and low pH values.

Influence of plant growth regulators and water deficit on cv. Krissy table grape

Context and purpose of the study. The quality of table grape clusters significantly affects consumer perception and market value, with berry size, texture, color, and overall appearance playing key roles.

A versatile genome editing platform for grapevine: improving biotic and abiotic stress resilience 

New Plant Breeding Techniques (NPBTs) have arisen with the objective of surmounting the constraints inherent in conventional breeding methodologies, thereby enhancing plant resilience against both biotic and abiotic stresses. To date the application of genome editing in grapevine is still limited by the necessity to overcome recalcitrance to produce embryogenic calli and to regenerate plants. In our studies, we developed a smart and versatile genetic transformation system carrying all the most promising features of different genome editing approaches. In specific, we joined the GRF-GIF expression to improve regeneration, the systemic movement of the editing transcripts through tRNA-like sequences (TLS) and the cisgenic-like approach to remove transgenes.

Isolation, biofilm formation and control of the wine spoilage yeast Brettanomyces bruxellensis

Brettanomyces bruxellensis, commonly referred to as “Brett,” is one of the most notorious microorganisms implicated in wine spoilage. This yeast species has developed a noteworthy resistance to sulfur dioxide, a widely used preservative in winemaking, prompting the wine industry to seek new antimicrobial agents.

Colour, phenolic, and sensory characteristics of commercial monovarietal white wines produced with maceration

White wines produced with skin and seed contact are of great interest in the wine sector. Maceration, whether performed prior to or concurrently with alcoholic fermentation, or even extended beyond its completion, significantly impacts the chromatic, mouthfeel, and aroma characteristics of these wines.