The relationship between enzyme treatment and polysaccharide extraction in wine making, and subsequent sensory effects in Cabernet Sauvignon wines

Abstract

AIM: To determine the effect of both ripeness and enzyme maceration on the astringency and bitterness perception of Cabernet Sauvignon winesRecent work has contributed to a more detailed understanding of the grape cell wall deconstruction process from ripening through crushing and fermentation, providing a better understanding of what role polysaccharides play in post-harvest fermentation of grapes(1,2). Current research on glycomics in red wine making suggest polysaccharides are important sensory impact molecules (3–6).

METHODS: Our experimental system harvests Cabernet Sauvignon grapes at three different ripeness levels and makes wine both with and without enzyme treatment. Using glycan-array technology (Comprehensive Microarray Polymer Profiling – CoMPP) as an analytical tool, we explore comparative levels of polysaccharides derived from cell walls that pass through the fermentation process to wines. These results are confirmed using GC-MS analysis of hydrolyzed polysaccharides, in addition to analysis of extracted tannins and polyphenols. Wines are submitted for sensory analysis to test astringency and bitterness perception after alcohol level equalization, providing a novel look at emzyme macerations sensory effect, focusing on polysaccharide levels in wine.

RESULTS/DISCUSSION: Data shows ripeness has a more limited effect than expected on polysaccharide profiles in finished wine, but enzyme addition causes a marked decrease in soluble polysaccharides. An increase in polymeric pigments and tannins is noted with enzyme use. Sensory testing of these wines established a relationship between perceived astringency and polysaccharide, but also shows the traditionally accepted relationship between phenol content of red wines and perceived astringency is more complicated.

CONCLUSIONS:

Enzyme maceration has an effect on perceived astringency in finished wines, but does not affect bitterness. Ripeness has a limited effect on polysaccharide extraction, but no significant differences in wine astringency. In this study, bitterness was not affected by ripeness nor enzyme maceration.