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…

Photoprotective extracts from agri-food waste to prevent the effect of light in rosé wines 

Light is responsible for adverse reactions in wine including the formation of unpleasant flavors, loss of vitamins or photodegradation of anthocyanins. Among them, the riboflavin degradation leads to the formation of undesirable volatile compounds, known as light-struck taste. These photo-chemical reactions could be avoided by simply using opaque packaging. However, most rosé wines are kept in transparent bottles due to different commercial reasons. Some agri-food waste extracts have been studied for their photoprotective action which turn to be highly correlated with phenolic content [1].

Highlighting a link between the structure of mannoproteins and their foaming properties in sparkling wines

Effervescence and foaming properties are the main visual characteristics assessed by the consumer during
sparkling wine tasting.

Is it possible to approximate the technological and phenolic maturity of grapes by foliar application of elicitors?

The increase in the temperature and the more severe water stress conditions, trends observed in recent years as a consequence of climate change, are leading a mismatch between the technological and phenolic maturity of grapes

Effect of nitrogen content on fermentation kinetics and aroma profile of assyrtiko wine

Today, there is need to design, produce and label terroir wines, with unique organoleptic properties and more “attractive to consumers”. For this purpose, two Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains (Sa and Sb) isolated during spontaneous fermentations were used for white wine production from the Assyrtiko grape of Santorini. A third commercial strain was used as control.

Physico-chemical parameters as possible markers of sensory quality for ‘Barbera’ commercial red wines

Wine quality is defined by sensory and physico-chemical characteristics. In particular, sensory features are very important since they strongly condition wine acceptability by consumers. However, the evaluation of sensory quality can be subjective, unless performed by a tasting panel of experienced tasters. Therefore, it is of great relevance to establish relationships between objective chemical parameters and sensory perceptions, even though the complexity of wine composition makes it difficult. In this sense, more reliable relationships can be found for a particular wine typology or variety. The present study aimed to predict the perceived sensory quality from the physico-chemical parameters of ‘Barbera d’Asti’ DOCG red wines (Italy).