Enoforum 2021
IVES 9 IVES Conference Series 9 Enoforum Web 9 Enoforum Web Conference 2021 9 Fingerprinting as approach to unlock black box of taste

Fingerprinting as approach to unlock black box of taste

Abstract

The black box of taste is getting unlocked. The starting point is to distinguish taste from tasting. Consider taste as a product characteristic; tasting is a sensorial activity. Consequently, taste can be studied on a molecular level and therefore be assessed more objectively, whilst tasting is a human activity and by definition subjective.

 

P. Klosse (2004) developed a model to describe taste. This model has been further developed and tested in practice to analyse the taste profile of wines and beers. Mouthfeel sensations and their intensities are the key parameters of this model. Three classes of mouthfeel are distinguished: ‘contracting’, ‘coating’ and ‘drying’. The molecular compounds and the intensity of their contribution to mouthfeel have been identified, just like interaction effects. Newly developed instruments are used to measure the physico-chemical characteristics of these molecules. The individual scores of coating, contracting and drying elements of a sample give a ‘fingerprint’. A computer model calculates the coordinate that indicates the taste of the product.

 

This system has been successfully tested to classify wines and beers. Results indicate this approach gives useful insights in flavor composition. From a production perspective these insights can be used to enhance desired or suppress undesired compounds. The fingerprints allow an objective comparison of different wines. From a commercial perspective, producers can gather insights in consumer liking. In addition, the consumer gets more certainty that the purchased wine meets his expectations. Furthermore, the profile can be used in food pairing and as a basis for machine learning. The first web application of this approach has been introduced to the market.

DOI:

Publication date: April 23, 2021

Issue: Enoforum 2021

Type: Article

Authors

Peter Klosse1, Boudewijn Klosse2, Georgios Agorastos3, Adam Dijkstra4 

1 The Academy for Scientific Taste Evaluation, T.A.S.T.E. foundation, Garstkampsestraat 11, 6611 KS Overasselt, The Netherlands
2 Tasters International, Amersfoortseweg 90, 7346AA Hoog Soeren, The Netherland
3 Faculty of Science and Engineering department, Maastricht University Campus Venlo, Maastricht University, 5911 AA Venlo, The Netherlands
4 Analysis Center De Colonjes, Bredeweg 2, 6562 DE Groesbeek, The Netherlands

Contact the author

Keywords

fingerprinting, mouthfeel model, classification, chemometrics, consumer preferences, taste

Tags

Enoforum 2021 | IVES Conference Series

Citation

Related articles…

Investigating the variability of basal crop coefficient across diverse production contexts in commercial vineyards

Vine water use is a critical determinant of vineyard management practices, especially in the context of climate change.

Phenological characterization of a wide range of Vitis Vinifera varieties

In order to study the impact of climate change on Bordeaux grape varieties and to assess the adaptation capacities of candidates to the grape varieties of this wine region to the new climatic conditions, an experimental block design composed of 52 grape varieties was set up in 2009 at the INRAE Bordeaux Aquitaine center. Among the many parameters studied, the three main phenological stages of the vine (budburst, flowering and veraison) have been closely monitored since 2012. Observations for each year, stage and variety were carried out on four independent replicates. Precocity indices have been calculated from the data obtained over the 2012-2021 period (Barbeau et al. 1998). This work allowed to group the phenological behaviour of the grapevine varieties, not only based on the timing of the subsequent developmental stages, but also on the overall precocity of the cycle and the total length of the cycle between budburst and veraison. Results regarding the variability observed among the different grape varieties for these phenological stages are presented as heat maps.

An effective method for extracting high-quality RNA from grapevine

Grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) is one of the most important economic crops in the world. Because of this importance, one finds widespread molecular genetic research on this species, an important element of which is high quality RNA.

Environment friendly nutrition supplying and soil cultivation methods applicable in the upper zone of hillside vineyards

Somló is Hungary’s smallest wine district, however one of the best producing white wines. The majority of vineyard areas are located on the slopes of Somló-hill, situated at the point where the Kisalföld meets Bakonyalja

Effects of soil characteristics on manganese transfer from soil to vine and wine

Aim: In recent times the export of Beaujolais wines has been jeopardised due to a limit of manganese content (Mn) in wine implemented by China (2 mg/L), related to suspicions of potassium permanganate fraud. Nevertheless, soil Mn content may be high in some soil types in Beaujolais. The aim of this study was to improve knowledge of manganese transfer from soil to vine and wine because data on this subject is scarce.