Macrowine 2021
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 An overview of wine sensory characterization: from classical descriptive analysis to the emergence of novel profiling techniques

An overview of wine sensory characterization: from classical descriptive analysis to the emergence of novel profiling techniques

Abstract

The wine industry requires coexistence between tradition and innovation to meet consumers’ preferences. Sensory science allows the objective quantification of consumers’ understanding of a product and subjective feedback of consumer’s perception through acceptance or rejection of stimulus or even describing emotions evoked [1]. To measure sensations, emotions and liking, and their dynamics over time, time-intensity methods are crucial tools with growing interest in sensory science [2].

AIM: This research aimed to give a big picture of the latest investigation about sensory methods and their variations, and the successful application of sensory devices and immersive contexts in wine evaluation.

METHODS: An overview of all the recent findings in sensory science methodologies, including sensory descriptive tests (quantitative descriptive analysis (ADQ), flash profiling, projective mapping and napping, check-all-that-apply (CATA), open-ended questions, preferred attribute elicitation method, polarised sensory positioning, free –choice profiling, sorting) [3], sensory discriminative tests (triangle test, tetrad test, duo-trio test, paired comparison, intensity scales, forced-choice tests) [4], sensory hedonic tests (hedonic methods, consumers’ preference, and emotions), time-intensity methods (dual-attribute time-intensity, multiple-attribute time-intensity, temporal dominance of sensations), instrumental sensory devices and immersive techniques (e-nose, e-tongue, virtual reality, gaming) and sensory data treatment are reviewed.

RESULTS: This study is the first attempt to characterize sensory methods and techniques, from classical descriptive analysis to the emergence of novel profiling techniques, comparing the different approaches and predicting some future research on this topic.

CONCLUSIONS:

The characterization of sensory methods and techniques have been investigated in the literature. However, there is a limited articulation between descriptive, discriminative, hedonic tests and time-intensity methods as well as instrumental sensory devices and immersive techniques. Furthermore, statistical techniques in sensory science play a crucial role and increasingly allow a more precise sensory data analysis and more adapted to a complex product such as wine.

DOI:

Publication date: September 24, 2021

Issue: Macrowine 2021

Type: Article

Authors

Catarina Marques, Alfredo,  Alto Douro, Elisete, CORREIA, Alice, VILELA,

CITAB, Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences, Department of Biology and Environment, School of Life Sciences and Environment, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, P-5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal;
CORREIA, Center for Computational and Stochastic Mathematics (CEMAT), Dep. of Mathematics, IST-UL, Av. Rovisco Pais 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal;
VILELA, Chemistry Research Centre (CQ-VR), Dep. of Biology and Environment, School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Vila Real, Portugal;

Contact the author

Keywords

sensory analysis; instrumental sensory devices; immersive techniques; statistical techniques; wine

Citation

Related articles…

Evaluation of intra-vineyard spatial and temporal variability of leaf area index using multispectral images obtained by satellite (Landsat 8, Sentinel-2) and unmanned aerial vehicle platforms

Estimation of vineyard leaf area index (LAI) is an important aspect for the winegrowers. However, tracking and monitoring are difficult tasks due to time constraints. Satellite and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imaging have become a practical monitoring method for LAI. Nevertheless, for a proper LAI determination, the image’s spatial resolution is a key factor, since low-resolution images are incapable of distinguishing between adjacent vines due to the large area covered in each pixel, this leads to misinterpretation or generalisation of vineyard information.

Kegged wine as a sustainable alternative: impact on conservation and sensory quality

Wine is not just a beverage; it represents an entire ecosystem in winemaking regions and is deeply linked to economic, social, and environmental factors.

Launching the GiESCO guide

Considering that the transfer of research results to the professional level is one of the keys to progress, GiESCO proposes to publish a technical guide supported by scientific references and in the form of standard sheets.

The use of viticultural and oenological performance of grapevines to identify terroirs: the example of Sauvignon blanc in Stellenbosch

Identification and characterisation of terroirs depends on knowledge of environmental parameters, functioning of the grapevine and characteristics of the final product. A network of plots of Sauvignon blanc was delimited in commercial vineyards in proximity to weather stations at 20 localities and their viticultural and oenological response was monitored for a period of seven years. These experimental plots were further characterised with respect to climate, soil and topography.

METHYL SALICYLATE, A COMPOUND INVOLVED IN BORDEAUX RED WINES PRODUCED WITHOUT SULFITES ADDITION

Sulfur dioxide (SO₂) is the most commonly used additive during winemaking to protect wine from oxidation and from microorganisms. Thus, since the 18th century, SO₂ was almost systematically present in wines. Recently, wines produced without any addition of SO₂ during all the winemaking process including bottling became more and more popular for consumers. A recent study dedicated to sensory characterization of Bordeaux red wines produced without added SO₂, revealed that such wines were perceived differently from similar wines produced with using SO₂ and were characterized by specific fruity aromas and coolness1,2.