AIM AND METHODS: Corvina and Corvinone are the two main grape varieties used in the production of Valpolicella, Recioto and Amarone, top-quality red wines in north-eastern Italy. This work aimed at determining the aroma composition of Corvina and Corvinone experimental wines and identify the main aroma compounds contributing to the aroma characteristics of Corvina and Corvinone monovarietal wines. Five Corvina and five Corvinone wines were studied, the grapes coming from five different vineyards in Valpolicella. Volatile compounds were extracted by SPE and identified and quantified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), whereas their aroma impact was determined by gas chromatography- olfactometry (GC-O).RESULTS: Based on the GC-MS-O analysis, 95 odor zones were detected, from which 68 compounds were successfully identified. Using the criterion of a value higher than 30% in modified frequency (MF %), 51 compounds were selected and grouped according to odor similarity. Compounds with values below 30% were discarded.

AIM AND METHODS: Grape withering is one of the key steps in the production of the most renowned red wines of the Valpolicella area, namely Amarone and Recioto. This practice, which was already used since Roman times, entails important modifications in grape composition and in the chemical and sensorial characteristics of the corresponding wines, especially in terms of aromatic profile. The aim of this research is evaluating the aromatic evolution during grape withering of the three main varieties used in Valpolicella wines: Corvina, Corvinone and Rondinella.Samples of the three varieties were analyzed at harvest and at different stages of withering, namely10%, 20% and 30% of weight loss. Free and glycosidically bound compounds were extracted and analyzed using Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULTS: For all the samples the data were normalized to eliminate the effect of concentration due to grape dehydration. Terpene content and evolution varied considerably in relationship to grape variety. Corvinone was richer in cyclic terpenes (including phellandrene, limonene, and cymene) and they decreased during withering.

Amarone is an Italian red wine produced in the Valpolicella area, in north-eastern Italy. Due to its elaboration with withered grapes, Amarone is a rather unique example of dry red wine. However, there is very limited data so far concerning the volatile composition of commercial Amarone wines, which also undergo a cask aging of 2-4 years before release. The present work aims at characterizing the aroma composition of Amarone and to elucidate the relationships between chemical composition and sensory characters. The analysis of 17 Amarone commercial wines from the same vintage (2015) was carried out by means of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and extracted by Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) and Solid Phase Micro Extraction (SPME). In addition, the sampled wines were subjected to a sensory evaluation in the form of sorting task.RESULTS: 70 volatile compounds were successfully identified and quantified, 30 of which were present in concentrations above their odor thresholds in all the samples. Using the odor activity value (OAV), the compounds that potentially contribute to Amarone perceived aroma are b-damascenone, ethyl and isoamyl acetate, ethyl esters (hexanoate, octanoate, butanoate, 3-methybutanoate), 4-ethyl guaiacol, 3-methylbutanoic acid, dimethyl sulfide (DMS), eugenol, massoia lactone, 1,4-cineol, TDN, cis/trans-whisky lactone. In certain samples, high OAVs were also observed for 4-ethyl phenol and 1,8-cineole.Results from the sorting task sensory analysis showed three clusters formed.

Analysis of phenolic compounds typically involve spectrophotometric methods as well as liquid chromatography combined with DAD, fluorimetric, or MS detection. However, the complexity of wine phenolic composition generated, in recent years, attention towards other analytical approaches, including those allowing rapid and inexpensive operations. Voltametric AIM Oxidation of white wine phenolics occurs at different stages during winemaking and storage and can have important implications for wine sensory quality. Phenolic compounds, in particular those with a ortho-diphenol moiety, are main target of oxidation in wine. Strategies for the methods are particularly suited for the analysis of oxidizable compounds such as phenolics. The redox-active species can be oxidized and reduced at the electrode, therefore, applications of electrochemistry have been developed both to quantify such species, and to probe wine maturation processes.3 The project on the diversity of Italian wines aims at collecting and analysing large-scale compositional dataset related to Italian white wines.

The selection, characterization, and recruitment of autochthonous yeast strains to drive the alcoholic fermentation process is a highly researched practice because it allows the differentiation of the organoleptic properties of wines, assuring process standardization, reducing fermentation times and improving the quality and safety of the final products [1, 2]. Sparkling wines are “special wines” obtained by secondary fermentation of the base wine. ​In the traditional method (Champenoise method), the re-fermentation takes place in the bottle after the addition to the base wine of the so-called tirage solution. This step, also known as prise de mousse, is followed by an aging period characterized by the release of compounds from the yeast cells that affect the organoleptic properties of the final product. The use of autochthonous yeasts as starter cultures for secondary fermentation is one of the recent innovations proposed to enhance and differentiate these wines’ sensory quality [3,4]. Apulia is the second Italian wine-producing region, and its productive chain is now going through a qualitative evolution by implementing the employment of innovative approaches to exalt the peculiar properties of regional wines.

AIM The main lead exposure route is the intake of contaminated food, water, and alcoholic beverages, in particular wine. At the gastric level, Pb is transformed into a soluble compound which, when conveyed into the bloodstream, is the long-term cause of saturnism, intoxication with neurotoxic, nephrotoxic and hematopoietic effects, and with the neurological developmental delay of children. Pb is classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a 2A class, possible carcinogenic to humans. In an opinion on possible health risks, CONTAM considered that cereals, vegetables, drinking water, and wine give a greater contribute to dietary exposure to Pb in Europe. Large quantities of wine, beer, and other alcoholic products drinking can increase daily Pb intake above the maximum permitted levels.

Today the knowledge in terms of molecular composition of the colloidal matrix is ​​not enough in order to control its stability, according to the number of winemaking and wine stabilization processes. The physico-chemical processes during the winemaking change the composition and quantity of wine macromolecules. The goal today is to determine which analytical techniques will allow to discriminate these winemaking processes in order to better understand their impact on colloidal matrix stability as well as which molecules are responsible for its instabilities. METHODS: Wines obtained after conventional winemaking were subjected to different fining and chemical stabilization treatments. Different methods were used to investigate the wine macromolecular composition and stability after chemical stabilization, including quantitative and qualitative analyzes of total soluble polysaccharides by extraction under acidified ethanol, and by size exclusion separation as well as qNMR metabolomics. RESULTS: Observation of a slight difference at the quantitative level using classical analysis between the winemaking processes was observed as well as a strong discrimination by qNMR metabolomics.

The blend of grapes used in the production of the four Valpolicella PDOs red wines, namely Valpolicella, Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Recioto della Valpolicella and Amarone della Valpolicella is quite unique, and includes two main varieties Corvina and Corvinone, and other minor varieties. To a very large extent all these grapes are only grown in the province of Verona. One of the main characteristics of Valpolicella is the use of grapes that are submitted to post-harvest withering. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the evolution of the free and glycosidically-bound volatile compounds in Corvina and Corvinone grapes under real production conditions.

Valpolicella is a wine region characterized by a wide use of the technology of grape drying for the production of two red passito wines, recognized as PDOs, “Recioto della Valpolicella” and the most famous “Amarone della Valpolicella”. Geographical origin of the grapes can influence wine composition by grape chemical composition yeast behaviour during fermentation. This study investigates the impact of different commercial yeast strains on aroma profiles of wines produced with withered grapes of different origins. In addition, the influence of spontaneous fermentation is also considered. METHODS: Experimental red wines were produced with a standard winemaking protocol with withered Corvina and Corvinone grapes obtained from two different geographical areas within the Valpolicella region. Fermentations were carried out with four different commercial yeasts plus a spontaneous fermentation. Wines were analysed by means of SPE- and SPME-GC-MS techniques and sensory analysis (sorting task).

AIM:Valpolicella is a wine region located in Italy north-east, famous for the production of dry and sweet red wines from withered grapes, including Amarone and Recioto. The aim of this study is to understand the influence of the withering process on Corvina and Corvinone wines aroma profiles. METHODS:Wines were produced with a standard red wine winemaking protocol with Corvina and Corvinone grapes from different Valpolicella vineyards and vintages. In consideration of the local traditional practice of post-harvest withering of the grapes, wines from each vineyard were obtained from either fresh and withered grapes. Wines were analysed by Solid Phase Extraction and Solid Phase Micro Extraction gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry.

From the beginning of the yeast autolysis process, several interesting intracellular and cell wall constituyents are released to the media providing different characteristics to the wine, being this process extensively studied in sparkling wines due to their important contribution to their properties (1-2). Yeast derived products (YDs) try to emulate the natural yeast autolysis compounds release enhancing the organoleptic characteristics of resulting wines (2-3). This study is a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of the addition of different YDs added to base wine on the chemical, physical and sensory characteristics of the resulting sparkling wines. METHODS: Chardonnay base wine was employed to carry out this study. Three experimental YDs were added at 5 and 10 g/hL to the tirage liqueur: a yeast autolysate (YA), a yeast protein extract (PE) and an inactivated dry yeast from Torulaspora delbrueckii, (TD), and two commercial specific inactivated dry yeast: OPTIMUM WHITE® (OW) and PURE-LONGEVITY®(PL). After second fermentation, measurements were carried out after 3, 6, 9 and 18 months of aging on lees. General enological parameters, proteins, polysaccharides (HPLC-DAD-RID), volatile compounds profile (GC-MS), foaming characteristics (Mosalux), and descriptive sensory analyses were carried out.

In Alentejo, south of Portugal there is a traditional way of fermenting wines in clay vessels, known as “Vinhos de Talha”. Clay vessels were traditionally impermeabilized using pine pitch, creating a barrier between the fermenting must and the clay. Due to this unusual production technology that uses of clay vessels, instead of inox or wood vessels, “Vinhos de Talha” present unique characteristics increasingly appreciated by national and international consumers when compared with wine obtained by the said traditional methods of winemaking. Although the positive consumers feedback, there is little literature about the physical-chemical characteristics of these wines (Martins et al, 2018; Cabrita et al, 2018). This work aims to characterize the volatile composition of white wines produced in clay vessels with different coatings and to contribute to the knowledge and preservation of these wines that are a unique cultural heritage. Wine samples were produced during 2019 vintage from white grapes, using the traditional technology associated to these wines.

This study aims at evaluating the effects of different refermentation methods (Martinotti/Charmat vs. Classic) on the chemical composition, aroma profile and sensory characteristics of Ribolla Gialla sparkling wines; furthermore, certain winemaking practices (skin contact and use of pectolytic enzymes) were investigated considering the extraction of varietal aromas and aroma precursors. METHODS: Sparkling wines were produced at pilot-plant scale. Concerning refermentation methods, traditional Martinotti (MB – 30 days length), extended Martinotti (ML) with 4 months of aging on lees and Classic method (CL) with 11 months of aging on lees were compared; in a second trial, skin contact (MM), enzyme addition on must also subjected to maceration (ME), and enzyme addition on base wine (VE) were evaluated. All experimental trials were performed in triplicate. Basic chemical composition, varietal (terpenes and C13-norisoprenoids in free and bound form) and non-varietal aroma compounds were evaluated by LLE-GCMS analysis; finally, sensory analysis was also performed, by descriptive testing.

Ellagitannins are the main oak wood phenolic compounds that contribute to wine and spirits organoleptic quality (color, astringency, bitterness)(1-3). Given the lack of knowledge regarding their composition and evolution in spirits, the objectives were to follow their extraction kinetic in Cognac “eaux-de-vie” matured in barrel representing different toasting and to observe their evolution and structural modifications during aging. METHODS: Eight different toasting levels were used for studying the impact of the toasting on ellagitannins composition. Two verticals (1978-2018) of “eaux-de-vie” samples coming from two terroirs were analyzed in order to observe ellagitannins evolution during aging. The above analyses were conducted using HPLC-Triple Quadrupole mass spectrometer (4) and the unknown compounds were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF, purified by preparative HPLC prior to 1D/2D-NMR analysis.

In sparkling winemaking several yeasts can be used to perform the primary alcoholic fermentation that leads to the elaboration of the base wine. However, only a few Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strains are regularly used for the secondary in-bottle alcoholic fermentation 1. Recently, advances in yeast development programs have resulted in new breeds of interspecific wine yeast hybrids that ferment efficiently while producing novel flavours and aromas 2. In this work, sparkling wines produced using interspecific yeast hybrids for the secondary in-bottle alcoholic fermentation have been chemically and sensorially characterized.METHODS: Three commercial English base wines have been prepared for secondary in-bottle alcoholic fermentation with different yeast strains, including two commercial and several novel interspecific hybrids derived from Saccharomyces species not traditionally used in sparkling winemaking. After 12 months of lees ageing, the 14 wines produced were analysed for their chemical and macromolecular composition 3,4, phenolic profile 5, foaming and viscosity properties [6]. The analytical data were supplemented with a sensory analysis.

AIM: Vine diseases are still responsible for economic losses. Previous study in our laboratory, have shown effects of oenological tannins against Botrytis cinerea1,2. According to this, the aim was to evaluate the wine protection by oenological tannins against an another disease, the downy mildew. METHODS: During the 2020 vintage, infected grapes by downy mildew (Vitis vinifera cv. Merlot) were collected from the dispositive ResIntBio. The 100 kg were crushed, destemmed and dispatch into 10 aluminium tanks. SO2 was added at 3 g/hL. Oenological tannins (grape, quebracho, ellagitannin or gallotannin) were added at 100 g/hL into eight different tanks (4×2 tanks). The two last tanks were considered as control without addition of oenological tannins. Alcoholic fermentation was achieved with Actiflore 33® at 20 g/hL. Malolactic fermentation was achieved with Lactoenos B7at 1 g/hL. Finished wines were sulfited to obtain 45 mg/L of total SO2.

ƴ-Nonalactonehas been identified as a significant contributor to the aroma profile of a range of wines and is associated with stonefruit and coconut descriptors.

In sparkling wines, foam is a relevant aspect whose measurement method could affect the results. The shaking test (ST) is a simple method measuring foamability1,2

When sparkling wine is served, the first attribute perceived is foam1. Bentonite is usually added to wine in order to cause particle flocculation

During recent years, carbonic maceration (CM) wines are increasingly demanded by consumers. The Spanish Rioja Qualified Designation of Origin (D.O.Ca. Rioja) is a winemaking area