Chemical and sensory profile of Brazilian red wines upon the cultivar and geographic origin of vineyards

Wine is at risk of being labelled as a dangerous health product, based on studies that focus on its alcohol content. However, multiple studies suggest that moderate consumption is healthy. Changing the focus from health impacts to the environmental and socioeconomic impacts that wine companies cause, what can be said?

The agri-food industry is constantly searching for ingredients of high functional value, healthy and of natural origin. One species of particular interest is Vitis vinifera, due to its recognized antioxidant potential. Among the grape varieties, one group possesses these antioxidant compounds not only in the skin, but also in its pulp: Teinturier. The red grape has traditionally been used for color correction purposes in winemaking, however, its high antioxidant content transforms it into a raw material of high potential for new formulations of ingredients and foods for the health and wellness market.

Viticultural potential has a complex conditioning, determined by relief,
soil, climate and lithology. Delineation of viticultural potential from vineyard areas is essential for the purpose to collect the necessary data for viticultural zoning. Using this data, we can achieve greater yield quality, which is the most important criteria in viticulture. The main purpose of this research is
characterizing of viticultural potential and zoning of homogeneous viticultural zones in Goriška Brda region by assessing the suitability of defined ecological factors.

Undesirable compounds in wine, like OTA, biogenic amines, and pesticide residues, can negatively affect its quality and pose health risks to consumers. In addition, an excess of tannins can lead to an unpleasant rise in astringency and bitterness, which makes tannins another target of reduction.

To characterize in depth the enological productions according to the origin territories and to provide modern tools for the qualitative raising of the assorted typologies of wine produced, Veneto Agricoltura (the regional agency for the agriculture, forestry and food industry development), the Regional Government of Veneto (north-eastern Italy) and various Consortia of Producers have undertaken since 2002 a systematic classification of the viticultural territories by agro-ecological zoning to achieve a strategic project aimed to set Veneto as the first Italian region to have completed in a systematic and scientifically rigorous way the zoning of most of its Denomination of Origin areas.