Molecular characterization of a variegated grapevine mutant cv Bruce’s Sport

During alcoholic fermentation, nitrogen is an essential nutrient for yeast as it plays a key role in sugar transport and biosynthesis of wine aromatic compounds (thiols, esters, higher alcohols). The main issue of a lack in yeast assimilable nitrogen (yan) in winemaking is sluggish or stuck fermentations promoting the growth of alteration species which may lead to economic losses. However, correcting this nitrogen deficiency is sometimes not enough to restore proper fermentation performance. This suggests the existence of other nutritional shortages.

AIM: Previous research on the fruity character of red wines highlighted the role of esters [1]. Literature provides evidence that, besides these esters, other compounds that are not necessarily volatiles may have an important impact on the overall fruity aroma of wine, contributing to a masking effect [2][3]. The goal of this work was to assess the olfactory consequences of a mixture between esters and proanthocyanidic tannins, through sensory and physico-chemical approaches.

In recent years, the use of amphorae in winemaking has become more frequent, symbolizing a return to the origins of vinification to broaden the availability of wines with different style.

Climate, especially temperature, plays a major role in grapevine development. Several bioclimaticindices have been created to relate temperature to grapevine phenology (e.g. Winkler Index, Huglin Index, Grapevine Flowering Véraison model [GFV]).

In mid to late ripening, sugar and potassium (K+) accumulation into the berry slows and is eventually completed1. K+ is the most abundant cation in the berry, undertaking important physiological roles.