Anthocyanin, phenolic composition, colour measurement and sensory analysis of BC commercial red wines

Abstract

This research established a database of analytical values associated with 173 commercial red wines from 7 vintages (1995–2001), 4 varieties (Pinot noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon) and 13 vineyard locations within BC. Wines were analyzed for sulfur dioxide, pH, titratable acidity, phenolics, tartaric esters, flavonols, as well as copigmented, monomeric, polymeric, and total anthocyanins. Colour was evaluated using colour density, hue, and L, a∗, b∗ and chroma measurements. The sensory astringent qualities were characterized on a subset of 78 wines, using a panel of 12 judges. The panel evaluated the magnitude of the astringency, astringent aftertaste, oakiness and bitterness, as well as 3 astringent sub-qualities (surface roughness, drying, puckering). Data were analyzed by analysis of variance, principle component analyses, and canonical discriminant analyses to track the influence of variety, vintage and vineyard location. Trends were observable despite large variation in winemaking techniques. Red colour, colour density, copigmented, monomeric, polymeric and total anthocyanins were lowest in Pinot noir and highest in Cabernet Sauvignon wines. Younger wines had higher concentrations of copigmented, monomeric, and total anthocyanins than did older wines. Canonical discriminant analysis of the analytical and sensory determinations were successful in distinguishing the wines according to where the grapes were grown.